Mafunyane welcomes me home
Category: Uncategorized | Date: Apr 30 2008 | By: admin
Friday 25th April.
My first blogging attempt and it is very exciting. After six years of research here and over 11 in the African bush I have internet access and a means to stay in touch with loved ones and up to date with research developments. I have to admit that it is all a bit surreal; to be sat here in my office over looking the lagoon in front of camp, listening to the vervet monkeys jumping around in the mangosteen trees above me and the rushing of the birds foraging on the ground and be reaching out to the world through the internet.
I am back in camp after 4 months in the UK and boy does it feel good. Due to a delayed flight from Johannesburg up to Maun I only got into camp at 170o. After rushing through immigration and through the airport and out onto the strip again to get onto the Caravan waiting for me with staff and supplies for the tourist camp. Lutz was flying so I knew I was in safe hands. 30 mins later and a lovely flight I was back in the Delta, I had only seen a herd and a couple of bulls on the way in but knew that there was a lot more elephants out there somewhere. Once in camp I caught up with all the news from Peter (my research assistant) over a cup of tea and then on our way to drop of things at my tent we saw the elephant Mafunyane. Mafunyane was the first elephant to be released from Elephant Back Safaris (EBS) in February 2002 and signifies the start of this long-term research project. He seems to know when I am coming back as he makes an appearance in camp, and it is wonderful welcome. It is always lovely to see him. He is 19 years old now and growing into a very large handsome elephant. I have to say that I am very proud of him, he has integrated well into the male social system of the area.
I look forward to going out tomorrow and seeing who is around.
Kate
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Hi, I am Kate Evans, or more commonly known as Elephant Kate. I am a zoologist whose great love is elephants. Since 2002 I have been living my dream by researching elephants in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. I decided I was going to be an elephant researcher when I was seven. I was living in Asia at the time and visited the elephant orphanage in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It was there that I made up my mind I was going to work for these majestic and intelligent animals. I made a promise to an elephant and we all know an elephant never forgets!!!! It took me 20 years to finally realise my dream and start my life as an elephant researcher. It was 20 years well spent and now I have to pinch myself most days to make sure it is true and I am living my dream.
I now head up a team who are researching the elephants and trying to work out the social and ecological needs of the largest remaining population of the African elephant. From time to time, other team members will add their thoughts and experiences. I love sharing my experiences - so I hope that this blog is a medium through which you will be able to join the elephants and I on our adventures in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. -
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7 Responses to “Mafunyane welcomes me home”
susan sargent, on 30 Apr 2008
Kate-
This such an exciting addition, it’ll be fantastic to hear about it all ‘real time’. Looking forward to getting more info on your day to day activities. Miss you and think of you lots. Susan & Barrie
Back in the delta–I am so jealous! But more so, so happy for you.
Becca, on 30 Apr 2008
Yey! This is so exciting! Kate you’re an inspiration to us all to follow our dreams and to remember that anything is possible. Keep the news coming it’s just lovely to see what you’re up to and achieving. Love and hugs. Becca xxx
Lisa, California, on 30 Apr 2008
Hi Kate, Living your dream sounds like a wonderful thing. Good for you! Looking forward to reading about your experiences and adventures with your beloved elephants. Lisa
Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FL, on 02 May 2008
Hi Kate, very sweet post. It’s always nice to go home, and to be greeted by such a special friend, Mafunyane. I hope this young elephant has many decades, ahead of him. That is my prayer. I’v seen so many documentaries on the Okavango Delta, this blog will be a real treat for me. I’m hoping the Delta and its tributaries, are filled to the brim, so there is plenty of water for the elephants and all the other wildlife there. Really looking forward to your adventures. Thank you!
Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FL, on 03 May 2008
Hi Kate, wordpress didn’t recognise my comment, so I’m adding another, so maybe you will see it. Help me with my geography, the Okavango Delta is located in or near, The Kalahari Desert?
TheTeach, Seattle, on 03 May 2008
Dear Kate,
So excited to see “Elephants of Botswana” starting up! I’ll be very interested to hear of your work and follow the adventures of Mafunyane in Okavango. He sounds like a special character. I’ll share your adventures and photos with my junior high students. I work to promote the values of conservation and good stewardship in our young people, whenever possible. Already, they are totally ensconced in Mountain Gorillas, forest elephants, and Amboseli elephants. So it will be fun to add yet another source to follow and learn from. Please tell us more about your interactions with Mafunyane and his past as a young bull. How can he tell that it is you who is coming? Best Wishes, TheTeach
Jann, on 20 Jul 2009
Hi, I am looking to volunteer in the research of elephants. I have been to Botswana many times and feel that I could be of service to a research team. I can pay my own way and would not be a financial burden. If you are not in need of a helping hand, could you forward me on to another group who is looking for help. Thank you, Jann Bytheway
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