Pula is released
Category: Uncategorized | Date: May 17 2008 | By: elephantsofbotswana
As part of the research, we monitor the release and rehabilitation of captive elephants from a camp near here. So far we have released five, and all have taught us so much about elephants and their individuality. To date we have released four males, Mafunyane, Thando, Seba and Benny and one female, Nandipa. Yesterday we released Pula, a young male. I have been really stressed about this release and have had many a restless night, because he is so young, he is captive born and it was a cold release. By cold release I mean that his routine was not changed prior to release, which we know helps with the process. To try and help, he was released near Nandipa and it was incredible to see their reunion (Nandipa was a brilliant Aunt when he was born). Ntongeni (Nandipa’s calf) was beside himself with excited as he had a playmate and gave Pula a hard time sparring him – Pula was incredibly patient with the little one. Pula only remained with them a couple of hours and then ambled into camp. He inspected all the skulls we have there, trying to work out who was who – a couple he knew and it was these he spent the most time with. He then spent the rest of the day feeding before ending up at the boma (where his herd are kept at night). I feel for Pula, we all do, the researchers, the staff the mahouts. He must be scared, lonely and confused.
GO PULA – you can do it. You’ll be OK, we are all behind you.
Tags: elephant, Elephant Back Safaris, rehabilitation, release
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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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4 Responses to “Pula is released”
Francis, on 17 May 2008
Hi Kate, I really enjoy reading your blog and learning about your work with the elephants. Your post about Pula has raised some questions though like why was Pula released on his own and a cold release ? was it planned to release him this early on his own and is this the norm ? I wonder if releasing him with others would help him adapt to the wild life if he had some friends and feel more secure. Will Pula be able to join Nandipa and Ntongeni’s group ? maybe he can help keep little Ntongeni out of trouble. It is great that a captive born elephant being released and I hope he thrives in the wild. Go Pula Go !! we’re rooting for you.
Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FL, on 17 May 2008
Kate, Pula’s story is tugging at my heart…he sounds like such a sweet boy. Why did you choose not to go with a “soft” release? You must have had good reasons to do it this way. Maybe he will join up with some young juvenile males…that would be terrific. He has his freedom, thanks to all of you.
elephantsofbotswana, on 18 May 2008
He is a sweet boy. We do not have a chose on the release method - we observe and monitor post release. We can merely advice. At the moment he is by himself, with all the releases it takes a little while to realize they are free to do what they want when they want and get courage levels up to go say ‘hi’ to other elephants.
Lisa, California, on 18 May 2008
I wish him well. I hope he isn’t too lonely. Poor guy! Lisa
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