Day 5:: Zebra, nyala, baobab and sundowners

​Another oddly cloudy day; the locals are really noticing the weird weather. Typically this time of year, it is clear and sunny every day. Instead, they have been getting regular rain, and everything looks much greener than usual.

We met a group on a year-long course to become game rangers, and went with them to dart a zebra. The goal was to dart and re-locate a stallion to start another breeding herd. Unfortunately, the farm owner inadvertently identified an older mare instead, so we had a short photo op and moved on. The stallion will be moved another day.

Our next stop was helping move 4 nyala, 2 cows and 2 bulls. We drove through the farm, and when the right animal was spotted, Rita darted it. Then the team spilled out of the back of the truck, taking the stretcher. The nyala was pulled into the stretcher, careful to keep its head up and nose down to prevent aspirating fluid into its lungs. It was then carried to the truck and lifted in. A student was assigned to hold the head and monitor breathing, as the procedure was repeated for the next animal. Once 2 nyala were in the truck along with 8 of us and a dog, we drove them to the new location, unloaded them, and administered the drugs that would reverse the sedation and wake the animal up. As soon as both were up and walking away, we were back in the truck to repeat the operation for the next pair.

Elsa teaches another student to give an IV injection

Next, we visited a giant baobab tree, where we ate lunch. This tree is over 2000 years old, and remains healthy and growing.

Back at the lookout point at the Osmer farm to watch the sunset.