Diana has survived by Mphoeng
Category: Uncategorized | Date: Sep 23 2009 | By: elephantsofbotswana
I first meet Diana on the 22nd of November 2008, whilst I was out doing field work with Kate and Joseph. We could tell something was wrong the minute we saw her as she was limping quite badly. We soon discovered that her leg was – or had been broken at some stage. At the time she was with her juvenile babies who were taking good care of her. When she crossed the road she was shielded by them. On the 16th of September 2009 she was spotted again, almost a year since she was last seen. She was back with her natal herd and it seems like she is able to keep up with them. The herd is very protective, they must know that she is in need of a little extra help and they, shield her whenever she crosses exposed areas. Elephants are very resilient and it is incredible to think that she managed to survive, especially that when we saw her it was after the harsh October month of 2008 when the area is very dry and food scarce and we all await the arrival of the rains. Elephants caring for each other had saved her from predators who could have taken advantage of her weak state. I am glad she made it through thick and thin and I was very happy to see her again.
-
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. -
100% of your donation, minus a small bank fee, will go to your intended purpose.
Donations made here are safe.
4 Responses to “Diana has survived by Mphoeng”
Carryl Edwards, on 23 Sep 2009
I am so inspired by her families protection and loving care they obviously have been giving her. I hope she is not in any pain. Knowing you all at Wildlifedirect are watching over the animals makes me feel good. I hope someday to visit Africa to see the animals and to take photos and make new memmories. Carryl Edwards
Diane, on 23 Sep 2009
Thank you for some good news when there has been so much loss lately with droughts and poachers.
Rebecca, on 24 Sep 2009
Great news!
Elephants must be one of the very few animals who allow the weak to stay with them, and go out of their way to help them.
I saw a similar thing on the Elephants of Samburu TV series, where a severely injured female with a broken leg was assisted by her group.
Amazing animals.
Anna M, on 24 Sep 2009
Thanks for sharing this uplifting post, indeed their perseverance, and consideration for each other is legendary… We will never stop learning from them and they will never stop to amaze us….
Trackback URI | Comments RSS
Leave a Reply