Simba Episode 2

Placing Tracking Collar

So Thursday night, after the lion darting, we stayed at Ol Pejeta because there was another lion that needed a tracking collar placed.  So Friday morning we got up to go and collar this lioness.  They had found her, but when we arrived, the pride had left.  We spent an hour and half trying to find them.  Finally we just stopped.      

The staff at Ol Pej continued the search while we waited  They finally found them about 2 hours later.  We proceeded through the brush and darted a small female.  We then had to search for her a bit as she ran off.  We found her collapsed in the shade.  We had to pull her out into the sun to be able to work with her.  It was in the sun, so I was constantly pouring water on her.  Groups took her measurements whilst the collar was being placed.  We also took an ear sample for dna again.  it was very straight forward.  We then had to wait an hour to reverse her.  

We use a cocktail of 2 drugs for Lion.  Ketamine and Medetomidine.  We wait the hour so that the Ketamine is fully worn off.  We are able to reverse the other drug.  So once the hour is up, we reverse and then wait.  She woke up well, a bit confused, but we were happy so we took off back to Lewa.  

Back at Lewa (3pm) we had a short meeting with a South African about poaching.  Looking at ballistics of the bullets retrieved and trying to place where the bullets are coming from.  It was not ground breaking stuff, just a quick meeting.  We then adjourned for the evening.  

Still sedated

Last night was Laura's last evening, so there was  big get together.  John (the head of security at Lewa) came to visit me.  I met him last time I was here and we have become good friends.  

There are 3 teachers who are staying at lewa on weekends from Canada.  They have not seen any predators, so this morning, the Lion guy came to take them out to see Lion.  It was a wonderful game drive, rhino, elephant, buffalo, falcon, but no lion for them.  

I have just spent the morning laying in the sun with 2 of the teachers.  I just did my laundry, and whilst hanging it out, I  realised not all of the soap was out…but I can't actually be bothered to re rinse them.  

Camilla, the statue artist. is here at Lewa today.  I think she and I will meet up for tea at some pint.  john also wants to take me out on a game drive as well.  

Today is calm and relaxing.