Last month I visited South Africa for a MHERA Wildlife week hosted by Karin (author of Mood Matters). It was an opportunity that enabled me to experience working as a Behaviourist with animals I wouldn’t usually get close to in the UK. All voluntary, but an opportunity of a lifetime.
Zeke had to stay home, but he had an amazing week with some very kind friends who took exceptional care of him. He had his familiar routine and surroundings, and I knew he would be fine.
The overnight flight to Johannesburg was 11 hours, and we travelled further north to our base. It was my first time in South Africa, and I’d read up on essentials to take – a power pack and a torch are two items I thoroughly recommend. We were there in the tail end of the SA winter but it seemed hot to me, I was glad of the mozzie spray and sun lotion.
We were able to go through our MHERA assessments on a wide range of novel animals, I worked with Siberian Tigers, Macaws, a White Headed Vulture, and my favourite… Elephants. We also visited a Rhino orphanage where I bucket fed milk to a huge baby Rhino. It was the most amazing experience.
Back home to a happy Zeke, who was pleased to see me…. Although I’m not entirely sure he realised I’d been away
Until next time
Jen
