tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post9175282815036905292..comments2024-01-29T00:20:13.608-08:00Comments on Holes in My Soles: What Tourists Don't Like To See On Safari!Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618511960243841803noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-19307089301699777502011-10-10T22:47:26.527-07:002011-10-10T22:47:26.527-07:00These are disturbing photos. Upsets me, but as you...These are disturbing photos. Upsets me, but as you said, this is the real world. How heartbreaking to look at these pictures and imagine how they ended up this way.lifeisacelebrationhttp://marilil.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-87400793719996135542011-09-08T05:36:18.210-07:002011-09-08T05:36:18.210-07:00These are the post that we hate to see but need to...These are the post that we hate to see but need to. Your doing a great service posting these Jim, We need to help protect the animals of the world as we intrude on their grounds. The lion hunting is natural but no animal should suffer at the hands of uncaring or thoughtless people<br /><br /><br />http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/09/photographing-nature-in-our-yard.htmlJIMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00989023921093283471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-43915118881403317782011-08-04T05:10:08.773-07:002011-08-04T05:10:08.773-07:00Powerful post Jim. It saddens me to see the suffe...Powerful post Jim. It saddens me to see the suffering caused by humans. But no matter what happens, when a trained professional can intervene and alleviate suffering, I think it is a good thing. Thanks for posting this and raising awareness.<br />~cath<br />Twitter me @jonesbabiecathy joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02829421153829081513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-14052404877995430922011-08-03T13:08:43.808-07:002011-08-03T13:08:43.808-07:00Wow, sad realities of wildlife. I think I can acc...Wow, sad realities of wildlife. I think I can accept these as long as they are not due to humans. The elephant was sad as man caused this with a bullet. The others are just a part of life. I think that is why I like watching Nature shows on public television here in the US. They don't sugarcoat life but show what it's like in the wild. Death is a part of all creation but like human life, it's sad when the ending is tragic for animals.Jeremy Branhamhttp://www.budgettraveladventures.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-55451234258922024752011-08-03T10:41:54.044-07:002011-08-03T10:41:54.044-07:00Intervention is a dicey scenario. I wouldn't ...Intervention is a dicey scenario. I wouldn't intervene if an animal was hunting to eat. But, if an animal is suffering or dying, then I would attempt to help it (especially if its injuries were the result of human contact). It's a tough thing to determine but I love animals, so these sites would bother me too. Nature can be cruel at times :(. Good article by the way. At least here when the animals are hurt, it's by nature and not by US!!!!! Humans' are the cruelest of all!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-20796067430773700592011-08-02T23:37:52.129-07:002011-08-02T23:37:52.129-07:00Fully agree that Nature should be left to itself. ...Fully agree that Nature should be left to itself. Predators have got to feed off the weak, sick or wounded. That's life.<br /><br />But when it comes to human-impact generally the consensus is for intervention.<br />So how do we decide what is a natural cause, and what is a human impact?<br /> In the hippo case, there is a question as to the cause of the wounds and a boat propeller strike is possible. So Parks Management should not allow that animal to suffer without seeking it out, and having someone fully qualified to assess its condition and most likely cause, and then make a decision what assistance if any should be given.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07618511960243841803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-63477920486068479612011-08-02T21:38:43.121-07:002011-08-02T21:38:43.121-07:00This is heart breaking. One thing that I can'...This is heart breaking. One thing that I can't stand to see is an animal suffering. While the reality is that nature itself can be harsh sometimes to animals, this is understandable and in cases we should not intervene since it is the cycle of nature and survival of the fittest. But, when it is caused by human hands, that's when it pisses me off since we have no business in creating this type of pain and suffering to animals.<br /><br />One of the things I'm really interested in doing during my trip to Africa is to volunteer to animal shelters and rescue. Hopefully I will have the opportunity.Norberthttp://www.globotreks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-49417884763175279062011-08-02T16:11:23.477-07:002011-08-02T16:11:23.477-07:00This is something really sad.This is something really sad.Sailorhttp://www.mycruisetravelpictures.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-6216466336760404362011-08-02T13:57:17.073-07:002011-08-02T13:57:17.073-07:00A good and thought-provoking post!
I think if we...A good and thought-provoking post! <br /><br />I think if we spot human-inflicted wounds, it's our duty to intervene. For most of us, that means contacting the proper authorities.Sophiehttp://www.sophiesworld.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-74607379884158146582011-08-02T12:56:16.754-07:002011-08-02T12:56:16.754-07:00This is a very powerful post, Jim. I know that whe...This is a very powerful post, Jim. I know that when I watched National Geographic programs when I was younger I used to get upset when they showed cheetahs killing the gazelles. I can imagine in real life it would be even more traumatizing. However, this is nature and people on safari should understand that they're not at the zoo. I do think that humans should intercede when animals are harmed by mankind though.Michael Figueiredohttp://struxtravel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-23786171669693443712011-08-02T11:39:44.051-07:002011-08-02T11:39:44.051-07:00I wholeheartedly agree that the parks officials ne...I wholeheartedly agree that the parks officials need to have proper health care for the animals- if they are going to provide a park like service for visitors. Animals carry a special place in my heart- and I hate to see when humans have brought any pain to them.jadehttp://vagabond3.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-48474037530023504252011-08-02T10:18:54.038-07:002011-08-02T10:18:54.038-07:00This certainly puts a different spin on things. Y...This certainly puts a different spin on things. You are right, we are so used to seeing the sweet, antiseptic photos of safaris and forget that there is always a chance for something like this to happen to said animals. It's an eye-opener for sure...thanks for sharing this info with us, Jim.aviewtoathrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09796975720878924864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-15110727208941567682011-08-02T06:22:01.492-07:002011-08-02T06:22:01.492-07:00This is a subject I have never really thought abou...This is a subject I have never really thought about because I haven't seen it.<br /><br />I think it is absolutely right to intervene to save an animal when humans are the cause for its injuries. It could also be argued that even though a human hasn't caused an injury, if the human has caused that animal to be endangered, we should intervene to save the animal as well. <br /><br />It is great that you got to spend time with Dr. Clay Wilson and see a dedicated professional in action.Stephanie - The Travel Chicahttp://www.thetravelchica.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-60718073984311317132011-07-30T13:46:00.777-07:002011-07-30T13:46:00.777-07:00Hi Jude, sorry you couldn't get to meet Clay. ...Hi Jude, sorry you couldn't get to meet Clay. Have you recovered?<br /> And those bumpy dirt tracks can be hard on the back!<br />There is a lot of human-wildlife conflict happening in the Kasane area, with Chobe being unfenced and farms bordering the park. And animals don't recognise boundaries and if a farmer plants maize in what were once elephants traditional grazing or migratory areas, then you don't have to be a rocket scientist to guess what is happening there! Just spells out the importance of having someone who is dedicated to wildlife to help change attitudes there.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07618511960243841803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-88339400271671174822011-07-30T13:41:28.663-07:002011-07-30T13:41:28.663-07:00Hi Kriti, thanks for staying the course and readin...Hi Kriti, thanks for staying the course and reading right through. Yes it is a tough post to read, and I have been told by others that they removed links to this page off their facebook wall, presumably because some don't like to read the reality.<br />I always thought you were a very gutsy woman!Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07618511960243841803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-14699231784339420782011-07-30T05:27:17.615-07:002011-07-30T05:27:17.615-07:00Hi Jim. Great story and love it that Dr Clay Wilso...Hi Jim. Great story and love it that Dr Clay Wilson's work has been hi lighted this way. I was all lined up to meet him and spend time with him in Kasane a few weeks ago but had to leave Africa early (medicalled out after a disc prolapse due to bumpy tracks!) There's Africa for you) and did not make the pre-arranged meeting. Kaye and I support his work and recommend that anyone who wants to know where their dollars go and cares for wildlife and animals - Dr Clay and Chobe Wildlife Rescue is the real deal! Thanks for an interesting (if very sad) read.<br />(PS; you might not know that the blog and all photos are in this page twice)Gardenerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02465809144063880642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-23107549225908623982011-07-29T23:36:00.589-07:002011-07-29T23:36:00.589-07:00I almost shut this window after I read and had rea...I almost shut this window after I read and had reached the first pic but somehow I couldn't. I finished reading it and am mortified to think what these poor animals must have gone through. Thank God for Dr. Clay. Very interesting post Jim!Kritihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06827714509776261027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-9533341291591757342011-07-29T19:52:04.480-07:002011-07-29T19:52:04.480-07:00Lots to digest in this post. Something I'm no...Lots to digest in this post. Something I'm not familiar with but interested in. It sounds like the animals have a savior in Dr. Clay.Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14577919062812348914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-3629631060287796342011-07-29T18:33:49.183-07:002011-07-29T18:33:49.183-07:00Hi Nomadic Samuel, yes hoping to encourage a lot o...Hi Nomadic Samuel, yes hoping to encourage a lot of discussion. Parks officials and the Honorary Vet Clay Wilson do a fantastic job together. They all need support to make the tourism experience enjoyable, and the welfare of animals paramount, so decisions to intervene need to be made by highly qualified people on the ground quickly.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07618511960243841803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-81050713394270594952011-07-29T18:30:35.996-07:002011-07-29T18:30:35.996-07:00Hi Fred, (Lily), Could be a boat strike, and if so...Hi Fred, (Lily), Could be a boat strike, and if so then because of cause as human-impact, then fair enough to have human assistance.<br /> I have had a look at the hippo wounds up real close in the photo, and there seems to be 2 deep wounds either side to the front, then another lighter pair further back and both match on either side.<br /> So highly possible that in a brawl, a hippo has chomped him and angle of attack would be from front but over his head which would account for front wounds being deeper than rear wounds.<br /> <br />Also would account for it being on its own...thrown out.<br />Yes, I agree he'll probably recover because most lions died off in Chobe , it is thought that distemper caught from dead town dogs wiped them out. The reason we saw those two lionesses with cubs is because Clay gave that one antibiotics for mastitis and has been in regular observation of them. They survived. Nowadays others have moved in presumably from Savute. So people think there are plenty of lions there, but they are from other areas, so overall populations are declining.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07618511960243841803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-46126526529040195932011-07-29T16:14:50.267-07:002011-07-29T16:14:50.267-07:00Hey Jim,
This is a great article. You bring up a...Hey Jim,<br /><br />This is a great article. You bring up a very valid point about safari's not being a more rugged visit to the zoo. The realities of life in the wild are a lot more harsh obviously.Nomadic Samuelhttp://nomadicsamuel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-31481907457248657432011-07-29T16:09:51.795-07:002011-07-29T16:09:51.795-07:00Hi Jim,
Thought provoking stuff as usual and Clay ...Hi Jim,<br />Thought provoking stuff as usual and Clay wilson does great work. I think the present 'code' of non interference with natural problems but dealing with "human induced problems" a fair compromise. If 'we' caused it we should fix it.<br />I wondered if the Hippo wonds were from a Boat Propeller. Looks like a lot of similar injuries I have seen on Marine Mammals.Lily Trotterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02876174176528426097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-65604112682855599122011-07-29T14:42:26.304-07:002011-07-29T14:42:26.304-07:00Thanks KalpanaS. Was written to provoke thought on...Thanks KalpanaS. Was written to provoke thought on animal suffering and the need to intervene. Tourists don't want to see animals suffering. A kill by a lion may be very exciting, but the unnecessary slow death of a hippo or elephant is another matter. If you follow Chobe Wilf life rescues Dr Clay Wilson you'll find the work he does voluntarily is so valuable to Chobe National Park, to the animals and to the townsfolk.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07618511960243841803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-7783656585375526712011-07-29T03:19:36.229-07:002011-07-29T03:19:36.229-07:00Thought-provoking. As tourists we see nature with...Thought-provoking. As tourists we see nature with 'theme-park' glasses, and this post makes us take a more realistic look at what we mean by 'nature' and 'human intervention'.KalpanaShttp://nowritehere.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839632013669425872.post-46034378503632520342011-07-28T15:13:17.655-07:002011-07-28T15:13:17.655-07:00I agree with all your comments, the reality of nat...I agree with all your comments, the reality of nature can be an animal suffering, but that can be very distressing to tourists.<br />The point of this post is to reinforce the need for Parks officials to have a procedure in place, and a competent vet on call immediately to assess the animal's situation, and if appropriate put it out of its misery. He can make that decision on the merits of the situation.<br />It is terrible that an elephant is shot and wounded by a local out to protect his crops, but yet there needs to be quick immediate follow up to check on that elephant and euthanise it quickly.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07618511960243841803noreply@blogger.com