Rhino Release!

November 27, We went along for the release of the rhino that was captured while Shawna was here. So they put a radio transmitter in his horn so that they can keep track of him because they released him outside of the protected sanctuary, but still inside the park.So in order to put in the device they actually drill a hole into its horn. The horn has a woody feel to it and it is made of the same stuff as our fingernails, only alot stronger. So here is the doctor drilling.


He also has to do the tip...


This is what is needed to fit the device...


This is what the device looks like


tape to keep all the dust and dirt out while the next step is prepared.


Freshly mixed acrylic is then used to seal it in.





The best way to monitor a drugged rhino is to stick your finger up his nose so that you can feel his breathing.


Once they got him to the release location they also clipped his ear in order to decifer from a distance which rhino the trackers are looking at.


The sausage tree is one of the rhinos favorite to eat so they found an area with lots of them. See all the spectators?


The area he was released to...


Other food rhinos like are these cut from what we call the cactus tree (euphorbia). It is actually quite dangerous to humans, if you get the milky, sticky white stuff in your eyes you can go blind!


The people who helped and came along...


The gal is the vet who stayed with the rhino while he was in captivity to monitor him.


Yesterday we talked to the trackers who went to find and check on him. I guess because the bush is so thick and the rhino so far from where he was released they had to climb a few trees with the radio reciever device. The rhino had headed back towads the sanctuary, 5 kilometers he walked. We are hoping he will come across the fence to the sanctuary and just be happy staying near it. We hope he does not try to reenter the sanctuary for his own safety. The trackers will continue to monitor him for two weeks or so until it looks as if he has settled down somewhere. We hope to go out with them one of these days and get some photos of this guy awake!

The last weeks

Shawnas last weeks with us in Liwonde National Park.

We ran a day trip to mulanje and back just to purchase a carved cedar chest! What a beautiful place! I hope to return with Bryan so that we can hike the mountain some!


Shawna and I went to the local grade school and gave the children grades 1 through 7 an hour or so of art class. We actually just brought supplies to the kids and had them draw or paint, allow them to have a creative time. This is something they do not get at school. These pictures are the 7th graders painting their homes all next to one another creating a large village scene! What fun they had!






The women (wives of the scouts) had their party (every 6 months or so)where they dance and buy gifts for their secret pals. Someone bought a whole set of pots for someone. It is a time to have fun together with the women.


neighbor kids, Yamikani, Mia and Lockylo



Bryan and Mia giving each other the thumbs up, well sort of!


Shawna!



The women purchased bricks so that the construction on the community center can start. I fear the rains will come before they can get it all done.


Bryan got a kids ball and played with the kids... Shawna joined in too!



Christopher our neighbor returning from work and giving Mia a ride on his bike!


Some Dutch visited the lodge and challenged the loal soccer team and so they all played together! Louis the kid helping us around our home was on the local team too! He looks happy!


All the players together


Shawna leaves here Thursday, so we have some more shopping to do and lots of packing! It has been so much fun to have her here and to share this experience with her... I think she has changed some as a result. But in good ways! I will try to post pictures of the packing and her leaving later this week! Thats all for now!