tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74903185616459169002024-03-19T04:18:11.612+00:00Diary of a Primatologist“Every individual matters and has a role to play in this life on Earth”. Dr. Jane GoodallAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-31528818087000946052014-10-31T11:46:00.000+00:002014-10-31T11:46:43.170+00:00Lets Celebrate Lemur's On World Lemur Day!Today you may be more concerned with running into a Zombie or how you are going to make that sheet look like a ghost costume. What you may not be aware of is that today is also World Lemur Day. If you are reading this and thinking "what the hell is a Lemur" well fear not, because one of my friends has decided to write me an entire guest post on...... yes you guessed it Lemurs; enjoy!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The Lemurs, by Sharon White.</span></u></b><br /></div>
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Out of all the primate's the Lemur's are the most diverse. Anyone who watched
the BBC's “Madagascar” would've been enthralled with the footage showing off
the primates that are only found on the island. With nearly 100 known species
that live in all areas and all habitats of Madagascar, Lemur's have a lot of
weird and wonderful physical and behavioural adaptations. Some of the species
are nocturnal, active only in the daylight or both. Their diet ranges from
fruits, leaves and bamboo to nectar and insects. Their physical sizes range
from the smallest of primate species' Mouse Lemurs being a tiny 1oz, to the
Indri at about18lb's. Social behaviours range from solitary lifestyles,
monogamous pairs and large, complex social groups. Throughout the Lemur's,
female dominance is typical and is found in very few other primate species and
even rarer throughout mammals.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u4RbzWKt-vjISxBB_tLjtPvzzjeMKIbftHmBL350KczO_tBUky9bbVLBM2YttJ_U9TYeujGyOJMO1RpbYSMdEXK9P0HOErUCOo1jIpsvdLT9IfBhi1W0h5mhY_Fhxy8_v_uaQ5sEGQMy/s1600/Gray+mouse+lemur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u4RbzWKt-vjISxBB_tLjtPvzzjeMKIbftHmBL350KczO_tBUky9bbVLBM2YttJ_U9TYeujGyOJMO1RpbYSMdEXK9P0HOErUCOo1jIpsvdLT9IfBhi1W0h5mhY_Fhxy8_v_uaQ5sEGQMy/s1600/Gray+mouse+lemur.jpg" height="502" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gray Mouse Lemur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/02/01/indri-lemur_wide-fcf5751b5d196f15456503c6c6bdc6cf7f98a974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/02/01/indri-lemur_wide-fcf5751b5d196f15456503c6c6bdc6cf7f98a974.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Indri Lemur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Here's some examples of the weirdness between different Lemur species:</div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.9pt; margin-top: 2.9pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Mouse, Dwarf and Fork-marked Lemurs are known for
having seasonal periods of torpor, like hibernation, especially during the
dry season when food supplies decrease. As is common with hibernating
species, it's common for individuals to fatten themselves up and these
small primates, increase volume in their tails (a fat reserve) before
going into seasonal torpor. However, this activity varies even on a
population level, some individuals can go into torpor and others will not.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://naturefiles.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/1112434235_2010_10_madagascar2_239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://naturefiles.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/1112434235_2010_10_madagascar2_239.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fork marked/crowned Lemur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.9pt; margin-top: 2.9pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Dwarf Lemurs hold branches and pick objects in
between their second and third fingers, which is in contrast to the other
Prosimian species and more like their South American cousins.</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dharing.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v6/p674106315-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://dharing.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v6/p674106315-3.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fat-Tailed Dwarf Lemur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.9pt; margin-top: 2.9pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Sportive Lemurs are the smallest folivorous
primate, which is a rare diet for a nocturnal mammal. The lack of sugars
in their diet has meant that Sportive Lemurs have small home-ranges and
short travel distances. </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Lepilemur_edwardsi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Lepilemur_edwardsi.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sportive Lemur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.9pt; margin-top: 2.9pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur is unique, amongst all
primates, as it is restricted to marshland surrounding Lake Alaotra in
eastern Madagascar and live amongst the stands of reeds and papyrus. There
are two sub-populations for this species and are thought to swim.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWZCkFm1gFG2VBiQ7JWk2u1YqUc70o8kBMeeGrBYZRlXVJXj1p-RG9tmopdWo63EgVCOtS-YwhMb6tr0-qxDdkLhsqTvt853fxwkYG__VM0lxuP6hsOOaSlWBoYpneUm_GA4n-aG9guq5/s640/lemur+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWZCkFm1gFG2VBiQ7JWk2u1YqUc70o8kBMeeGrBYZRlXVJXj1p-RG9tmopdWo63EgVCOtS-YwhMb6tr0-qxDdkLhsqTvt853fxwkYG__VM0lxuP6hsOOaSlWBoYpneUm_GA4n-aG9guq5/s640/lemur+22.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There is one species of Lemur, which is my personal favourite,
that have blue eyes. The Sclaters Lemur, aslo known as the Blue-Eyed Black
Lemur, is the only primate other than humans to be born with blue eyes.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8078/8291308573_5ec41214fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8078/8291308573_5ec41214fe.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Female</span> <span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Sclaters Lemur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Lemur species are amongst the most endangered species in the
world. Six species are on the top 25 most endangered primates in the world.
Those species include the Red Ruffed Lemur, Blue-Eyed Black Lemur, Northern
Sportive Lemur, Silky Sifaka, Madame Berthes Mouse Lemur and the Indri. All
these species are very different in their shape, size, diet and habitat, but
all populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting, amongst other
things. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhEr3CBVs-AQmP26KzDQgwsIxWmMF7zVKg6Vw-0dv8nMa4bLC0SFZ_V6tFciTdiWXrcudTNojIgu0j_MB9Ln6v9_n2JTky4xpqruDxPDUl-EBWPKk-OgDvQFayN-PDmG8B4MGCz3T-SM/s1600/CD5294-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhEr3CBVs-AQmP26KzDQgwsIxWmMF7zVKg6Vw-0dv8nMa4bLC0SFZ_V6tFciTdiWXrcudTNojIgu0j_MB9Ln6v9_n2JTky4xpqruDxPDUl-EBWPKk-OgDvQFayN-PDmG8B4MGCz3T-SM/s1600/CD5294-02.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Silky Sifaka</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Despite, the small amount of information provided here, you can see how amazing
these primates are and how we really need to help protect them for future
generations! To learn more about how you can help the Lemurs check out the <a href="http://lemur.duke.edu/" target="_blank">Duke Lemur Center</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/ring-tailed-lemur-lemur-catta-portrait-pete-oxford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/ring-tailed-lemur-lemur-catta-portrait-pete-oxford.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ring Tailed Lemur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">About the author:</u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sharon White is passionate about primates and wildlife in general, but she simply adores Lemurs. Sharon spends her time wither working as a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SoftThistlePhotography?fref=ts" target="_blank">photographer</a> or with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, passing on her passion for the natural world.</span></div>
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______________________________________________________</div>
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<br /></div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
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"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Picture Sources:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Gray Mouse Lemur - http://www.phocus.org/images/animals/mammals/primates/lemurs/mmu-juv-lge-0213.jpg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Indri Lemur - http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/02/01/indri-lemur_wide-fcf5751b5d196f15456503c6c6bdc6cf7f98a974.jpg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Fork-marked/crowned Lemur - http://naturefiles.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/1112434235_2010_10_madagascar2_239.jpg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur - http://dharing.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v6/p674106315-3.jpg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Sportive Lemur - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Lepilemur_edwardsi.jpg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWZCkFm1gFG2VBiQ7JWk2u1YqUc70o8kBMeeGrBYZRlXVJXj1p-RG9tmopdWo63EgVCOtS-YwhMb6tr0-qxDdkLhsqTvt853fxwkYG__VM0lxuP6hsOOaSlWBoYpneUm_GA4n-aG9guq5/s640/lemur+22.jpg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Female Sclaters Lemur - http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8078/8291308573_5ec41214fe.jpg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Silky Sifaka - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhEr3CBVs-AQmP26KzDQgwsIxWmMF7zVKg6Vw-0dv8nMa4bLC0SFZ_V6tFciTdiWXrcudTNojIgu0j_MB9Ln6v9_n2JTky4xpqruDxPDUl-EBWPKk-OgDvQFayN-PDmG8B4MGCz3T-SM/s1600/CD5294-02.jpg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Ring-Tailed Lemur - http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/ring-tailed-lemur-lemur-catta-portrait-pete-oxford.jpg</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-30058095938562519702014-10-27T20:16:00.000+00:002014-10-27T20:18:22.586+00:00Gorillas, Rebels & Heroes; that's Virunga!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently went along to the beautiful Hackney Picture House to finally see Virunga:The Movie. I have been wanting to see this documentary for months and finally got my chance, I was not disappointed. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://now-here-this.timeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/HackneyPicturehouse_RG058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://now-here-this.timeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/HackneyPicturehouse_RG058.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source - http://now-here-this.timeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/HackneyPicturehouse_RG058.jpg</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Taken from the movie promo:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><i>"VIRUNGA IS THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF A GROUP OF BRAVE PEOPLE RISKING THEIR LIVES TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE IN A PART OF AFRICA THE WORLD'S FORGOTTEN AND A GRIPPING EXPOSE OF THE REALITIES OF LIFE IN THE CONGO.”</i></span><br />
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All I can say is that it lived up to its expectations and I have not been on an emotional roller coaster like that for a long time. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film and the cinematography is simply stunning. As you walk with the ranger patrols in the Virunga National Park and hear gun shots and bombs going off you really feel like you are there. Seeing Andre taking care of the orphaned gorillas and refusing to leave them on the cusp of rebels coming in almost brought me to tears. Finally, seeing Emmanuel de Merode (Chief Warden of Virunga National Park) saying "I will be the last one to leave" and addressing all the rangers in the morning was incredible. What these guys do, putting their lives literally on the line, to protect their country and its laws is fantastic and truly heroic.<br />
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Check out the trailer and feel your emotions connecting with the work they do. Then book to go and see it here -<a href="http://virungamovie.com/Screenings" target="_blank"> http://virungamovie.com/Screenings</a>; you will not regret it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/92226142?byline=0&portrait=0&color=E24A8D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/92226142">Virunga - Official Trailer 2014</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/grainmedia">Grain Media</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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After the film I knew we were going to have a Q & A with the producer, but when Andrea and Emmanuel popped up on screen as well I was shaking. After seeing the film and then talking to them was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life; I even got to ask a question.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking with producers, Andre & Emmanuel via Skype</td></tr>
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Here is a list of things you can do to help if you can't make a screening <a href="http://virungamovie.com/#takeaction" target="_blank">- http://virungamovie.com/#takeaction</a></div>
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Thank you for reading and I hope you will spread the word about what is going on in Virunga and about the brave men and women that fight to save it everyday.</div>
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"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used; if they are yours and you would like them taken down then please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-32667145902231242862014-10-11T10:00:00.000+01:002014-10-11T10:04:13.384+01:00Delicious Autumn Celeriac SoupI don't know about you, but I love Autumn. I love the bronzing of leaves and the crunch of walking over them, I love the drop in temperature, but still the warm glow of the sun. I love the first frost and seeing your breath as you walk along a country lane. However, what I love most is the stews, pies and soups; oh yes the joys of One Pot Cooking!<br />
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People sometimes don't realise how quick and easy (and nutritious) soup can be. You have your classics, Tomato, Carrot & Corriander, Potato & Leek, what do they all have in common? Cheap, easy and based on healthy, colourful vegetables.<br />
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Today I want to elevate the Celeriac to first place and show off its earthy, nutty brilliance.<br />
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The WHAT? I hear you say. Yes the Celeriac, you have probably walked past it 100 times in the supermarket, well now it is time to dig deep and buy this weird looking bulbous vegetable, because its cheap and extremely tasty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DHvQEqLFKoFw5ZdC0jngU1xpxfT60XzChl38ezOdMe4Zmni0A7rKxzFQnu2IaX3ucDxG4vuxUM4AjEiWwLU_ZAYSyLZ4bYS0r3OCTCDXddZLZ3EAxVNKU-t8QD1R4PZKvXK_QKIA5XfN/s1600/celeriac06261152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DHvQEqLFKoFw5ZdC0jngU1xpxfT60XzChl38ezOdMe4Zmni0A7rKxzFQnu2IaX3ucDxG4vuxUM4AjEiWwLU_ZAYSyLZ4bYS0r3OCTCDXddZLZ3EAxVNKU-t8QD1R4PZKvXK_QKIA5XfN/s1600/celeriac06261152.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source - http://www.taste.com.au/images/articles/celeriac06261152.jpg</td></tr>
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Did you know that the Celeriac is related to the Carrot and packed full of goodness like Vitamin K, which is important for your bones. Also, it has been linked with helping against Alzheimer's disease having anti-cancer properties (1).<br />
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This soup took me perhaps 20 minutes start to finish and as I doubled the recipe it could feed 3-4 adults. All you need is celeriac, potatos, celery, garlic, onion and some seasoning. It could not be easier and you have no excuses to not give it a go. Also when you whiz it up you get a nice thick creamy texture that I just love. Just pop it into a bowl, sprinkle some black peper & chives on the top and away you go. Why not enjoy it with some crunchy, wholesome farmers bread?<br />
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The recipe I followed was just this simple one from the BBC website - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/homestyleceleriacsou_87169">http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/homestyleceleriacsou_87169</a><br />
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1. - <a href="http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/celeriac.html">http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/celeriac.html</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-53113621449646266782014-10-05T10:22:00.000+01:002014-10-05T13:42:23.019+01:00Home made Raw Energy (Monkey) Balls, great for protein.<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have decided to start blogging about food every so often. Mainly cause I enjoy cooking and sharing the recipes that I have found with others. Also, as a vegan I want to show people how easy it is to make delicious dishes without animal ingredients. I will try to keep a monkey theme to the recipes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a lot of people always ask me where I get my protein from I thought I would start with a high protein snack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here goes...... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I first tried these balls I was astounded with two things. 1, the amazing taste & 2, how easily they apparently were to make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One week later I gave it a go and I can honestly say it was actually very easy indeed. You can also mix and match the seeds and nuts you use, so it is a quite versitile recipe that you can adapt to how you like it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I only had ground almonds so that was my nut base, and I used a mix seed pack containing Pumpkin, Sunflower, Sesame & Linseeds. As I didn't have raw Cacao powder I used Coco, but I doubled the quantities as it is not as strong. When I had finished making the balls I rolled them in desiccated coconut; just cause I love coconut. Then an hour in the freezer to help them firm up. I have been advised that if stored in a container they can keep for up to six weeks in the fridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This recipes origins come from a food blogger named "Delciously Ella" and this link will take you to the recipe. <a href="http://deliciouslyella.com/recipe/the-ultimate-energy-bites-vegan-gluten-free-dairy-free/">CLICK HERE.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why not give it a go and let me know how you get on; a picture would be great. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disclaimer: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-28718024812471118832014-09-21T11:59:00.000+01:002014-09-21T11:59:40.855+01:00If you see a gorilla, RUN!Yesterday I took part in the 11th <a href="http://www.greatgorillarun.org/">Great Gorilla Run</a> (GGR), an 8km fun run through the heart of London to raise money for <a href="http://www.gorillas.org/">The Gorilla Organization</a>. Over 500 people had registered and I was very excited at the prospect of being part of this amazing charity event.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3aVgfUEkHJTdeQsgrqrDizM_o5ZYS4uN3xKo-UkpR7leOMiQXCd0yKUmb-DMdtDkevQPl2qr36uNpnWSHY2GrIWuQ8kq_j-ybd4PvOUQ-6fioHOJlukKmgFd4EJguvKys5sy80003ILG/s1600/IMG_1208+(1280x960).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3aVgfUEkHJTdeQsgrqrDizM_o5ZYS4uN3xKo-UkpR7leOMiQXCd0yKUmb-DMdtDkevQPl2qr36uNpnWSHY2GrIWuQ8kq_j-ybd4PvOUQ-6fioHOJlukKmgFd4EJguvKys5sy80003ILG/s1600/IMG_1208+(1280x960).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Pre-Run</u></b><br />
I signed up for the GGR back in late August one week before returning from Kenya, which only gave me five weeks to get my act together and train for it. The reason I had signed up was that only a month before I had actually visited the gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda. Seeing them first hand was not only a dream come true, but also made me realise how much work is to be done to ensure their survival for the future. You can read about my gorilla experience below:<br />
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Meeting the gorillas part 1 <a href="http://www.lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/meeting-mountain-gorillas-part-1.html">click here </a> <br />
Meeting the gorillas part 2 <a href="http://www.lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/meeting-mountain-gorillas-part-2.html">click here</a><br />
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After arriving back in England I began doing some runs wherever I could and I felt good about my fitness levels; then the gorilla suit arrived. Of course 8km on a relatively flat level doesn't perhaps sound that challenging, but when you add a heavy, furry, unbreathable, thick gorilla suit it starts to look a bit more daunting. When trying it on for the first time you soon realise why people have commented on this so called "fun run" being more difficult than a half marathon. There is no where for your body heat to go and so you very quickly get sweaty and hot; this is going to be interesting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJJ4SK135oRKd7zwkT78NOqX3zB-POImTN_VbJY91nu95WQ9a0j1ed6fvAPWfpU7z8w8UJU7LaVVPWecNYCDVyMOEfxs3v0h90kedoMujDj4F0VAnnDID9vwHRZAy5zcZSf5E4ohgmTTu/s1600/IMG_7055+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJJ4SK135oRKd7zwkT78NOqX3zB-POImTN_VbJY91nu95WQ9a0j1ed6fvAPWfpU7z8w8UJU7LaVVPWecNYCDVyMOEfxs3v0h90kedoMujDj4F0VAnnDID9vwHRZAy5zcZSf5E4ohgmTTu/s1600/IMG_7055+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying the suit on for the first time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql2zExvOsG2tZATenliO7ZgQMUCiglRQhDHx7vcUkDKrV9Rw0n18JiWqTjVR19gy4Rq8Fu33DzarGFhX_K5FercpJDyaRjeZ6NPcrzukwFANXMWqw2IAueyWjL93AX-bIz2-7Ejjj0AZ2/s1600/IMG_7068+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql2zExvOsG2tZATenliO7ZgQMUCiglRQhDHx7vcUkDKrV9Rw0n18JiWqTjVR19gy4Rq8Fu33DzarGFhX_K5FercpJDyaRjeZ6NPcrzukwFANXMWqw2IAueyWjL93AX-bIz2-7Ejjj0AZ2/s1600/IMG_7068+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorilla training</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1ogNJPYtc_BR5_FHQ0d6oQqmPmFQAoZPAQe5koPlPNKJgq3Iz11Qu4KkrcxlWxl4N5TeivTpUVERwDuqjUZg-uA8fP5GVJUOUJGBDdIBKL_Qqb4ZLlnKll7oSLHVdOEbG5UefI4h5J2h/s1600/IMG_7069+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1ogNJPYtc_BR5_FHQ0d6oQqmPmFQAoZPAQe5koPlPNKJgq3Iz11Qu4KkrcxlWxl4N5TeivTpUVERwDuqjUZg-uA8fP5GVJUOUJGBDdIBKL_Qqb4ZLlnKll7oSLHVdOEbG5UefI4h5J2h/s1600/IMG_7069+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorilla training</td></tr>
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<b><u>The Big Day</u></b><br />
So four weeks had flown by and all of a sudden the big day was here. I arrived in central London (right by the Gherkin) at around 9.30am and there were already hundreds of gorillas warming up. It was a very strange setting (like a budget Planet of the Apes film) and the different costumes that were appearing were fantastic. There was everything from just plain old gorilla to Darth Vadar, Lifeguards, Bikinis, Angels and Devils, big bananas, multi-coloured and everything in between; including a guy dressed as a gorilla carrying a human in a cage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx_kOATl-GMofLopoywm2X6s-P2Cm4c-0mJIlcBpMOpETu4DmYnyow_ybPYqfuFyEECPxvm9JpUEDPvlT-zdFhdR2Wd27nWYYa1fNI5FpGK5rUgluW5FAMPIkMFSN8hSaS9gF3nHkLr5H/s1600/yellow+gorillas+(1280x854).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx_kOATl-GMofLopoywm2X6s-P2Cm4c-0mJIlcBpMOpETu4DmYnyow_ybPYqfuFyEECPxvm9JpUEDPvlT-zdFhdR2Wd27nWYYa1fNI5FpGK5rUgluW5FAMPIkMFSN8hSaS9gF3nHkLr5H/s1600/yellow+gorillas+(1280x854).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source - http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/gallery/hundreds-gorillas-take-streets-london-4292350 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5iUqVOtSFHH6HZHOEyMoB2tbpV6-ZSNn_GK5mQOCnwCC5mvWA6H47vFwMehFeFqTqUJTSk6gvsxFcST0hlaoJ4SIMB2R-OXdwIvg942yXU-5bhkn559K6t9KQGN3oVtpQ3X4fY4ilZ-y/s1600/IMG_8514+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5iUqVOtSFHH6HZHOEyMoB2tbpV6-ZSNn_GK5mQOCnwCC5mvWA6H47vFwMehFeFqTqUJTSk6gvsxFcST0hlaoJ4SIMB2R-OXdwIvg942yXU-5bhkn559K6t9KQGN3oVtpQ3X4fY4ilZ-y/s1600/IMG_8514+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got to love a storm trooper gorilla</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhWR77v4UEhX6afwV-tQKIZUarp_3CPhoxOC7CGRNSulq-nepV_-sDv-Tk86WRxK5yEt0tZUWRMhC5tK_7JtSULJdGXT2HYf6ZgjJws4LVGR9WqHK1mOpmgW2ANxYtoBWIJptxTDii2Xl/s1600/IMG_8467+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhWR77v4UEhX6afwV-tQKIZUarp_3CPhoxOC7CGRNSulq-nepV_-sDv-Tk86WRxK5yEt0tZUWRMhC5tK_7JtSULJdGXT2HYf6ZgjJws4LVGR9WqHK1mOpmgW2ANxYtoBWIJptxTDii2Xl/s1600/IMG_8467+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh I say, the posh gorillas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV-hAIW9Mb44_E3XswlyPRq3AE0Y044eaFLUJmpmpaMLOcQxcyRyxkWj-g7GJl7W1z6dvjHElPfTt7ROSValaVGS-gRdXFQbroD2P9iSrxXR3OsbN63ImepOFm3ObMsp-u7qzGi3X0TJE/s1600/smoking+gorilla+(816x1227).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV-hAIW9Mb44_E3XswlyPRq3AE0Y044eaFLUJmpmpaMLOcQxcyRyxkWj-g7GJl7W1z6dvjHElPfTt7ROSValaVGS-gRdXFQbroD2P9iSrxXR3OsbN63ImepOFm3ObMsp-u7qzGi3X0TJE/s1600/smoking+gorilla+(816x1227).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source - http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/gallery/hundreds-gorillas-take-streets-london-4292350</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcedWmD1wPnM0_YSTgG9eNKMb5ef-hp2ksmZwmYAA-jkJGUyK3ZFrZLt2Bq5gPtMpZ2ZEG4xl433XLPbonMjn-VlzbjZu-eOHsJfYTBAHo9TfkQweNBsKgd1g4E9TDGGi-xYwTb6hXzkdc/s1600/IMG_8466+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcedWmD1wPnM0_YSTgG9eNKMb5ef-hp2ksmZwmYAA-jkJGUyK3ZFrZLt2Bq5gPtMpZ2ZEG4xl433XLPbonMjn-VlzbjZu-eOHsJfYTBAHo9TfkQweNBsKgd1g4E9TDGGi-xYwTb6hXzkdc/s1600/IMG_8466+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course what is a gorilla run without Darth Gorilla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wivVDNeRZ7UaJZciWOZAKGs6hdGC2L9v-ov1hLKFCOaJVxWuEQ0rEjn8GRqrDujaG5GxJmiQy2WgzSXO99Cj924-FJUkE3_9z4JsUQRN7UNn4Ac4KV2NPSj_PiWpbEY3m57y0q92ME0n/s1600/IMG_8515+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wivVDNeRZ7UaJZciWOZAKGs6hdGC2L9v-ov1hLKFCOaJVxWuEQ0rEjn8GRqrDujaG5GxJmiQy2WgzSXO99Cj924-FJUkE3_9z4JsUQRN7UNn4Ac4KV2NPSj_PiWpbEY3m57y0q92ME0n/s1600/IMG_8515+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal favourite and he did attract a lot of attention</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was now feeling pumped so I dressed up in my gorilla suit with my GGR t-shirt over the top and running number attached (338 is me). Then I headed to the starting point where I met Ian Redmond (chairman of the Gorilla Organization), this was a huge moment for me as Ian has been a hero of mine for many years. His work with gorillas, elephants and conservation is amazing and has created real change around the world. He was dressed in his traditional khaki shorts, shirt and sandals and I just had to get a photo.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqljM4XPKKWZHYs9hsQ3WhkPIwODQsykp18-khPRGkZ3wfAkkgHZ7tnIS-99-vqyIeSwyoZVFiKzW4bWw8zRw5siSBwUHpdjd4lJSautGXcnj8_YtHIrIGFlb_EGUhO-k3gjS4HpvLl-e8/s1600/IMG_1189+(960x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqljM4XPKKWZHYs9hsQ3WhkPIwODQsykp18-khPRGkZ3wfAkkgHZ7tnIS-99-vqyIeSwyoZVFiKzW4bWw8zRw5siSBwUHpdjd4lJSautGXcnj8_YtHIrIGFlb_EGUhO-k3gjS4HpvLl-e8/s1600/IMG_1189+(960x1280).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting dressed for the occasion</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3pFVtijJBKjBL7M-VQEKXuupdd00Hg8ltbnRYyv0cs2AsFrSl4zzXTE4h6Hn8Nuv_LyTZpZhqg0MT7UaIvyIY_LWJdHRZHVOaU2hc1oCBI1BUTGgl0hXSobfYkAJOH5akJ6DTxwZImnG/s1600/IMG_1196+(960x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3pFVtijJBKjBL7M-VQEKXuupdd00Hg8ltbnRYyv0cs2AsFrSl4zzXTE4h6Hn8Nuv_LyTZpZhqg0MT7UaIvyIY_LWJdHRZHVOaU2hc1oCBI1BUTGgl0hXSobfYkAJOH5akJ6DTxwZImnG/s1600/IMG_1196+(960x1280).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it hot in here or is it just me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmWN4F1Gwpqu0CHRHRwaQ5gEJh9P04bG10_D9aw9cUrX0582yB61W1HTnH29S99bY8IiOu-_Y5VAi7o06lfcli3tXax1vQCNpIQT3zJk-a1641UWGG1DmMgfjhiETshrBoc9CQZrLlmpL/s1600/IMG_1199+(960x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmWN4F1Gwpqu0CHRHRwaQ5gEJh9P04bG10_D9aw9cUrX0582yB61W1HTnH29S99bY8IiOu-_Y5VAi7o06lfcli3tXax1vQCNpIQT3zJk-a1641UWGG1DmMgfjhiETshrBoc9CQZrLlmpL/s1600/IMG_1199+(960x1280).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do I look?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ7WpHbdz8IxJvb0GqznDbWJ6bSQR4QtoGsbUIO0aHDO1jPd-D_dSsb-13EixTbw27wEax6LtmeVZheClYXUvo51gcqg1lmDsMvDKGnHmebcK48cGjJ4vpC_TeqtkIUYqc_2Eq9CwMaWB/s1600/IMG_1207+(1280x960).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ7WpHbdz8IxJvb0GqznDbWJ6bSQR4QtoGsbUIO0aHDO1jPd-D_dSsb-13EixTbw27wEax6LtmeVZheClYXUvo51gcqg1lmDsMvDKGnHmebcK48cGjJ4vpC_TeqtkIUYqc_2Eq9CwMaWB/s1600/IMG_1207+(1280x960).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally got to meet the amazing Ian Redmond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then at around 10.30am we all gathered at the starting point and had some inspiration words (and spoon bending) from Uri Geller as well as the Patron of the GGR Bill Oddie. He then announced the start of the race, but was still in front of all the gorillas when we started; luckily he moved quickly out of the way and we were OFF!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpxs2fHqYTZ2bNlavrZojQECjGX2DNSaQIn6oMHbk6k3R2xrxvL0jdUcUxtDDqFiUTAv5in0g6S184U02WMaJBirSjL0c2yCy-WeiUeAJ4aJw-p7PilCtxqcXylBxVZeoRO7V4cr_9pCR/s1600/IMG_8468+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpxs2fHqYTZ2bNlavrZojQECjGX2DNSaQIn6oMHbk6k3R2xrxvL0jdUcUxtDDqFiUTAv5in0g6S184U02WMaJBirSjL0c2yCy-WeiUeAJ4aJw-p7PilCtxqcXylBxVZeoRO7V4cr_9pCR/s1600/IMG_8468+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91zFf0CXxlF-qqaPzOaLMb3rVagN9l6LTOzHo9F-rGcShWRvbBnPnfKOtDa6dr2zJybu2UtCbaD39_-KvUlw5q1CITsyJuq4YiyEoCSs42zSNop4pJ4JKEIxqiIlnjRToGvJbvg5NN7f-/s1600/IMG_8474+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91zFf0CXxlF-qqaPzOaLMb3rVagN9l6LTOzHo9F-rGcShWRvbBnPnfKOtDa6dr2zJybu2UtCbaD39_-KvUlw5q1CITsyJuq4YiyEoCSs42zSNop4pJ4JKEIxqiIlnjRToGvJbvg5NN7f-/s1600/IMG_8474+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick photos with celebrities before setting off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkfuzoF8jQ6qD4WimxtULFNHInbneaDO0AmA3g9t7-uu9QbKUTtwxDTPZt9fbbnPswfsizOlN3ihMFZLLP93pl5mPZCe1wgSvvFt394Mw1P66K8TfWzJnff3O75NHKMltpBXvaEK40Mqx/s1600/IMG_8475+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkfuzoF8jQ6qD4WimxtULFNHInbneaDO0AmA3g9t7-uu9QbKUTtwxDTPZt9fbbnPswfsizOlN3ihMFZLLP93pl5mPZCe1wgSvvFt394Mw1P66K8TfWzJnff3O75NHKMltpBXvaEK40Mqx/s1600/IMG_8475+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Oddie saying Ready, Steady, GO!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKLoS9EjAPdOeCmETj7ghqtTqGhi7nKhH5aAJFnPF8RY2q3BWGRx6pnodRt2lUZHfTeUBVkGtejuqrs-RYzDu3w-PyY8FBeDZ-bwInFdwQjZxXdfx4ZcTfaLo8wIm9m8XwZrgdcsAwYA6/s1600/IMG_8476+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKLoS9EjAPdOeCmETj7ghqtTqGhi7nKhH5aAJFnPF8RY2q3BWGRx6pnodRt2lUZHfTeUBVkGtejuqrs-RYzDu3w-PyY8FBeDZ-bwInFdwQjZxXdfx4ZcTfaLo8wIm9m8XwZrgdcsAwYA6/s1600/IMG_8476+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Oddie quickly realising he was in the wrong place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The crowd was cheering and everyone was having a good time making gorilla noises (some were very questionable) and getting into the spirit of the run. I quickly realised two things, 1. You can not see a thing out of the mask and 2. It got very hot inside the suit and mask very quickly. However, with the random waving tourists we were running past, car hooting and the sights of London around us I put that behind me and got on with the run. We went round the Tower of London where I saw all the poppies that had been laid out in the grounds, we then went underground before popping up further down and going over tower bridge to run along the south bank. There were a lot of people taking photos and also wondering what the hell was going on; I overheard one woman say "that is what I love about London, always something going on".<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrV_eZAgW9-udFy7u4COqRdNMha_edItjS-gl3Kap6XOKr_y7QM75tBwkp2K-1wY4VxXuaV_YIRYSdWXZ5RSBYZjc57zeMTfvTft8VtdmVbe1kTOceb52jt_orONMTT_-6niAMZMCq94D/s1600/IMG_8482+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrV_eZAgW9-udFy7u4COqRdNMha_edItjS-gl3Kap6XOKr_y7QM75tBwkp2K-1wY4VxXuaV_YIRYSdWXZ5RSBYZjc57zeMTfvTft8VtdmVbe1kTOceb52jt_orONMTT_-6niAMZMCq94D/s1600/IMG_8482+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There I go, on the left 338</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJfvanbiIxCYxeoBUqz87dERtNSgRa40GXuwvXhpjUSOeI2DxURhvquNBmT14ZC0N2YcTXTXtsrOHARYwapn8CbTcGlV2X44w77aQJuWdeXc_9xzOZJMyuysT1-FsvVqptGjjvWQifiVm/s1600/IMG_8495+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJfvanbiIxCYxeoBUqz87dERtNSgRa40GXuwvXhpjUSOeI2DxURhvquNBmT14ZC0N2YcTXTXtsrOHARYwapn8CbTcGlV2X44w77aQJuWdeXc_9xzOZJMyuysT1-FsvVqptGjjvWQifiVm/s1600/IMG_8495+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many funny costumes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It had seemed like I was running for ages and then a marshal (who were all fantastic) mentioned that this is the halfway point. The random people constantly cheering me on (in many languages) did keep me going and it was raising awareness, which is always good. With the last km in sight I was really feeling tired and it didn't help going past the back of a big building that was pumping out heat. Then a marshal told me we were approaching the finishing straight and that last 500 meters was the hardest part of the race. As I turned round the corner and saw the finish I picked up the pace, put my hands in the air, the crowd roared, the announcer read out my number and name and Uri Geller put a medal around my neck. I was exhausted and extremely hot and sweaty, but grabbed a photo with Bill Oddie, another one with Ian Redmond and got the gorilla suit off as quickly as humanly possible.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw1xNaP_qyLeM1LYL91_CMyyM-R1cViMzKTN_kSb8CKJ35O-A_FBxd08CQufYK-8uldaNJ4E29MozWO6pPjMHiZgh-En-TKIIbCVdijkGltNLgZ5WEsgN9aynRz9-d7bbTIUoEW-VvwNy/s1600/IMG_8528+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw1xNaP_qyLeM1LYL91_CMyyM-R1cViMzKTN_kSb8CKJ35O-A_FBxd08CQufYK-8uldaNJ4E29MozWO6pPjMHiZgh-En-TKIIbCVdijkGltNLgZ5WEsgN9aynRz9-d7bbTIUoEW-VvwNy/s1600/IMG_8528+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end with Bill Oddie, clock reading 49 minutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCXmUfuxZUxzLeToakkyIy0yTf-vVOnxy-Zo6C2ye1olUmwZltHmoSvlXLcv8YaaFFY8IGirZPFg2wR3u5euBj8TDM47Dh86CIn74qlYcgAdyHfmsSPPKwrkQhcgVUikrlJICmd2Bag1d/s1600/IMG_8538+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCXmUfuxZUxzLeToakkyIy0yTf-vVOnxy-Zo6C2ye1olUmwZltHmoSvlXLcv8YaaFFY8IGirZPFg2wR3u5euBj8TDM47Dh86CIn74qlYcgAdyHfmsSPPKwrkQhcgVUikrlJICmd2Bag1d/s1600/IMG_8538+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race photo with Ian Redmond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SqMh34477VEWPohTxi9Va4qrhVR4TE087IMhKuLlkNQtYbhy9lFmnQpFyo7tqlEJGZXYIDnp6Odj9bdkST6odQBVQE6et22Y_VLLwCFnzyyJ2SdORt-s01KtaCJZSy2YUPJ5gRq3KRFa/s1600/IMG_8530+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SqMh34477VEWPohTxi9Va4qrhVR4TE087IMhKuLlkNQtYbhy9lFmnQpFyo7tqlEJGZXYIDnp6Odj9bdkST6odQBVQE6et22Y_VLLwCFnzyyJ2SdORt-s01KtaCJZSy2YUPJ5gRq3KRFa/s1600/IMG_8530+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the suit off was one of the most satisfying things I have ever done</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They gave us a goody bag containing a banana, coconut water and regular water, which was just what I needed. Luckily it was a cool, cloudy day and I started recovering quickly, it was amazing to watch all the different gorillas finishing. The atmosphere and environment was just fun, with drummers playing, music blaring and everyone just having a good time. I finished in 49 minutes and from the looks of it was in the top 30 to 40, but it is not a race and that is not what it is about.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUHHIt9CSrGMvex2oM69fv0r3RkJDsnjfqp04YgGOn0wKi4PNc_BHh5P8jTIuYh-fn226ORJaLaI0LkHD4bpjjfbQ7CpMBLYinyZgzbm98EQFtGQyoEDKOoON-9EnjYicxiAlKuslAAMT/s1600/IMG_1217+(960x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUHHIt9CSrGMvex2oM69fv0r3RkJDsnjfqp04YgGOn0wKi4PNc_BHh5P8jTIuYh-fn226ORJaLaI0LkHD4bpjjfbQ7CpMBLYinyZgzbm98EQFtGQyoEDKOoON-9EnjYicxiAlKuslAAMT/s1600/IMG_1217+(960x1280).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A banana, just what the doctor ordered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoYBENQIYktd4dB6B58DN3UyF3o2Yk_kZPHKWdFEuLT40lZ72iJeo2AOxfPxv_N-jjDjeOymHAAxO5eNXusw7FAejWv69_Xmt6XTM4WyABros3jnsm6TW9jQiAT96-ZvIoipYKkK9PWxZ/s1600/IMG_0402+(956x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoYBENQIYktd4dB6B58DN3UyF3o2Yk_kZPHKWdFEuLT40lZ72iJeo2AOxfPxv_N-jjDjeOymHAAxO5eNXusw7FAejWv69_Xmt6XTM4WyABros3jnsm6TW9jQiAT96-ZvIoipYKkK9PWxZ/s1600/IMG_0402+(956x1280).jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a fantastic costume</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After about an hour of relaxing we heading into the bar area and had some words of congratulations by Bill Oddie who said "wildlife brings out the worst and the best in humanity and today we have witnessed the latter", Uri Geller "congratulations to everyone you have made a difference", Ian Redmond "gorillas are the gardeners of the forest and we must protect them to protect the forests they live in" and Jillian Miller the Chief Executive announced we had so far (donations accepted till November) raised £65,000 and said "the money you have raised today will go a long way to making sure we continue the fight to save the remaining gorillas in Africa".<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8506b1jTP-WkRoCTyumPlEM8lultraTDbE8ZEtOBncJD39yPf4PTttR4LtyuElBx6ln9N2HpRlfCz2k7d3GsnaErsEIaiVQkaIht4dGvwVsu5sqd44VKmABhFteGSuk8FYNLXQuSF8UP/s1600/IMG_1231+(1280x960).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8506b1jTP-WkRoCTyumPlEM8lultraTDbE8ZEtOBncJD39yPf4PTttR4LtyuElBx6ln9N2HpRlfCz2k7d3GsnaErsEIaiVQkaIht4dGvwVsu5sqd44VKmABhFteGSuk8FYNLXQuSF8UP/s1600/IMG_1231+(1280x960).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Award ceremony with Ian Redmond, Uri Geller, Bill Oddie and Stanley Johnson in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Prizes were given out for best dressed male and female, largest group and best training video; notice no prize for first place. This really is a fun run and everyone is encouraged to participate. All in all I had a tremendous day, meeting great people, having fun and participating in an event that makes a real difference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindKbU6XGJ6N4P1XvpNtz-EyknH4yxhWkDXOZg5LtiW4cQD-C2zZDZAryDhGiRxhqbnuyNRvuFk56cdBIzTN4dgMEvfwHc1OlnYB9mXsUBwBWqF0PxYXbO5GX-B2ks06t9jMg_CuAJyMD0/s1600/IMG_8546+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindKbU6XGJ6N4P1XvpNtz-EyknH4yxhWkDXOZg5LtiW4cQD-C2zZDZAryDhGiRxhqbnuyNRvuFk56cdBIzTN4dgMEvfwHc1OlnYB9mXsUBwBWqF0PxYXbO5GX-B2ks06t9jMg_CuAJyMD0/s1600/IMG_8546+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Donations are still being taken so please give what you can here - <a href="https://gorillarun2014.everydayhero.com/uk/if-you-see-a-gorilla-run">https://gorillarun2014.everydayhero.com/uk/if-you-see-a-gorilla-run</a><br />
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Also, if this has inspired you why not sign up to the 12th Great Gorilla Run 2015 here - <a href="http://www.greatgorillarun.org/">http://www.greatgorillarun.org/</a><br />
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Don't miss an update and follow me on Facebook - www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist<br />
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<br />
Disclaimer:<br />
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-6877255410375596262014-09-06T18:53:00.001+01:002014-09-06T18:53:22.205+01:00Bike for sale, grab a bargainA little bit away from my usual posts so apologies for that.<br />
<br />
I am selling my bike due to the fact I don't use it, especially since I am temporally living in the country where unfortunately a car is a necessity.<br />
<br />
It is a Pinnacle Lithium Two 2012 Hybrid Bike, with 3 main gears and 7 smaller gears within those three, in very good condition and is clean and ready for a new home.<br />
<br />
It retails for around £300 new and comes with many extras such as:<br />
Mudguards for both tyres - £35<br />
Large pump and small travel pump - £20<br />
Mounted saddle and two large saddle bags that are fully waterproof so you can carry many things around with you as you cycle. - £100<br />
Large heavy security d-lock (which secures to the bike when you are using it) with additional wire lock for added security - £60<br />
Front and rear additional lights with stable and flash settings (damage to front light, but still works fine) - £12<br />
Hi-viz Garneau Helmet, wind proof jacket and riding fingerless gloves - £80<br />
Upgraded higher grip pedals and handlebars - £30<br />
A selection of cleaning products including chain cleaner, body cleaner, bike oil-£10<br />
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All of this new came to over £600 and I am offering it all for the low low price of £250, that's right you heard me only £250. It is on a first come first basis and a courier change can be added if you cannot pick it up yourself. I am based just outside north London near the town of Hertford.<br />
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Bike specifications and pictures below, if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me through this blog or email me at lberman101@gmail.com.<br />
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Bike specifications<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Pinnacle Lithium Two 2012 Hybrid Bike is based on the same specification as Lithium One but gains Shimano M375 cable-activated disc brakes with Jagwire L3 oil-impregnated cables for smooth </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">all-weather braking, plus a Cr-Mo blade fork for added strength with no loss of comfort.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />With big wheels and an attitude, the Lithium is a fast and light weight city ride with a heavyweight character. It’s based on a rigid 29er MTB layout for a confident ride position and designed with handling that suits the cut-n-paste of city short-cuts and emergency manoeuvres. Tough tyres, deep-section rims and a steel fork add to the security you’ll feel from behind the wide riser bar, while reflective frame decals help you stay visible in dimly-lit areas. It’s a true hybrid with the best elements of 29" MTBs and 700c urban genres rolled into one bike.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Frame:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Pinnacle 6061-T6 Heat-treated Aluminium alloy<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Fork:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Cr-Mo, rack and guard eyelets<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Front Derailleur:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Shimano FD-TX51<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Rear Derailleur:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Shimano RD-TX75<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Number of Gears:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />21<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Shifters:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Shimano ST-EF51-7<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Chainset:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />SR X178 28-38-48T<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Chainrings:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />28-38-48T<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Bottom Bracket:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />VP Square Taper</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Cassette:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Shimano CS-HG20-7 12-32T<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Chain:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />KMC<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Pedals:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Flat with rubber grippers<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Front Brake:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Shimano BR-M375 Cable Disc<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Rear Brake:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Shimano BR-M375 Cable Disc<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Brake Levers:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Shimano ST-EF51 2-finger<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Handlebars:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Pinnacle Aluminium low-rise bar, 15mm rise, 660mm width, 9/5 degree sweep</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Stem:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Pinnacle Ahead stem, 90mm<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Headset:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />VP semi-integrated for 44mm ID<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Grips:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Super-soft Kraton rubber<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Rims:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Alex G6000 deep-section 32H<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Front Hub:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Joytech 6-bolt disc<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Rear Hub:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Joytech 6-bolt disc<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Spokes:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Stainless PG<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Front Tyre:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Kenda K-West K193 38c<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Rear Tyre:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Kenda K-West K193 38c<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tubes:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Butyl<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Saddle:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />FWE Sport men’s, grey<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Seatpost:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Pinnacle Aluminium<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Seat Binder:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Single-bolt clamp</span><br />
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Photos:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWfs1ZaCdOfJ8RZY1FT3cLxP6Ugyvf62do52xAiyEhDCBEQdOcoTRe8zpsBNNsdFxRkhDd0QjIvNtRv5Yks7kqtZANWvBSvUVEAzF5MN7jRIH2Yg7JOjidTW5IFZxXvEovG7BwPC07RaJ/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWfs1ZaCdOfJ8RZY1FT3cLxP6Ugyvf62do52xAiyEhDCBEQdOcoTRe8zpsBNNsdFxRkhDd0QjIvNtRv5Yks7kqtZANWvBSvUVEAzF5MN7jRIH2Yg7JOjidTW5IFZxXvEovG7BwPC07RaJ/s1600/image.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bike with the saddle attachment visible on the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ooOMWyKPKne5pjt1W0JjGp7C1lnBhIJ_5x8PcnOD6EWkT3a4bBoeG5Xyi3w2OLqehhX4B02IwGtk0rzHGnHXOfHiBOdYLlZ3SwACKbxE2kjzUICpKCeUAhU2JDZCHX8OMMx1jj5Q5ds8/s1600/image%5B3%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ooOMWyKPKne5pjt1W0JjGp7C1lnBhIJ_5x8PcnOD6EWkT3a4bBoeG5Xyi3w2OLqehhX4B02IwGtk0rzHGnHXOfHiBOdYLlZ3SwACKbxE2kjzUICpKCeUAhU2JDZCHX8OMMx1jj5Q5ds8/s1600/image%5B3%5D.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left handle bar showing upgraded grip and the three main gears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr2jJ6CxJGzHucCRI77f0m2cL06AGrfIRkOwVh7p14sJwpY6yyq4RHRzNe4vAgmOQWQQa6R7nrmEnR3UQVWxJwMRJ1pJhSpu67ZI1fa85fFdwWKz3RJRizozIysoR10yNSEQ8lmrChrtC/s1600/image%5B4%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr2jJ6CxJGzHucCRI77f0m2cL06AGrfIRkOwVh7p14sJwpY6yyq4RHRzNe4vAgmOQWQQa6R7nrmEnR3UQVWxJwMRJ1pJhSpu67ZI1fa85fFdwWKz3RJRizozIysoR10yNSEQ8lmrChrtC/s1600/image%5B4%5D.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right handlebar showing upgraded grip and 7 smaller gears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6puyeDwgRpD0_czGd_vsXxCAjXT0vKXd8FW6DQvkQPCxPAQYf38UOUWJmFRR_Yk3L2uEuxGdclBL859mGm29azX_O3-DWa5LsYx59PoPE9yHSzgGmG51q5uTK9qerSz0i7g4zzMWCjqDe/s1600/image%5B7%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6puyeDwgRpD0_czGd_vsXxCAjXT0vKXd8FW6DQvkQPCxPAQYf38UOUWJmFRR_Yk3L2uEuxGdclBL859mGm29azX_O3-DWa5LsYx59PoPE9yHSzgGmG51q5uTK9qerSz0i7g4zzMWCjqDe/s1600/image%5B7%5D.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upgraded higher grip pedals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPI0uNEI3rKbJtFcOl_wwoEesIwtvVOdOCBR6cEyRJ8dZzcam7x3xGs87r9EqgHCCFiHpfCQr-TglzIwp3k3wMbW5Y-r6G2Nb40NQsOP0wOWuk3uc1TwBAKbnJAswZSkvLJ56WVxmAQ9Kh/s1600/image%5B8%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPI0uNEI3rKbJtFcOl_wwoEesIwtvVOdOCBR6cEyRJ8dZzcam7x3xGs87r9EqgHCCFiHpfCQr-TglzIwp3k3wMbW5Y-r6G2Nb40NQsOP0wOWuk3uc1TwBAKbnJAswZSkvLJ56WVxmAQ9Kh/s1600/image%5B8%5D.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The d-lock being shown in its holder on the bik</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg104SCDB_Ve4Xy_ovgo16NvNxGjTqNa2S9Dxsov0SUWD-FX4kHPmPz4SKqZjbC7_TgJcfLayLFQgj87Nj68eYXa3pXkgFE6hL-sY0nkATVGHfmywrKHq7imqi7j9QpsAUAwYRhPwckMJpa/s1600/image%5B10%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg104SCDB_Ve4Xy_ovgo16NvNxGjTqNa2S9Dxsov0SUWD-FX4kHPmPz4SKqZjbC7_TgJcfLayLFQgj87Nj68eYXa3pXkgFE6hL-sY0nkATVGHfmywrKHq7imqi7j9QpsAUAwYRhPwckMJpa/s1600/image%5B10%5D.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the accessories the bike come with, extra lock on the bike, jacket and gloves not in shot.</td></tr>
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Thank you for reading this post and if you know anyone that might be interested please pass it on.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-52215595246624425872014-08-20T16:25:00.001+01:002014-08-20T16:27:25.170+01:00Fish nets don't just catch fish!Just 72 hours after witnessing <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.com/2014/08/run-turtle-run.html">beautiful green turtle hatchlings racing from the beach to the ocean</a> I get to see a full grown adult. Unfortunately this encounter happened because a fisherman had been night fishing and two had got caught in his net. Luckily our Director is passionate about turtles and has been telling the fisherman that if they cut them free she will pay to repair their nets.<br />
<br />
So after hearing about these turtles I race to the beach, fling my shoes and socks off and run into the water getting my trousers soaking wet in the process. My first thought was, WOW that is a massive turtle and I couldn't believe they can go from being so small to so big. This guy had already had the netting cut from around it and was being released back to the ocean. Then a slightly smaller turtle was brought out of the small wooden boat and was heavily entangled in plastic netting. The fisherman worked hard to cut the turtle free and within 3 minutes they had succeeded and away it went.<br />
<br />
This is an example of how education and incentive within the local communities can help save precious species from decreasing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUuiEaK4wAqBgAcy5GcCDkxNC-DNLQuYipzpgz_CeMD7yu3vS-G-za7jMcl5UFwgn5sOPIDykpND7XDm9EulFIkboMHZEWwbT22SR8XX4QpruQMP7Qktv30FL_9ZWONW2K4qLUVDqjqc0/s1600/IMG_6472+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUuiEaK4wAqBgAcy5GcCDkxNC-DNLQuYipzpgz_CeMD7yu3vS-G-za7jMcl5UFwgn5sOPIDykpND7XDm9EulFIkboMHZEWwbT22SR8XX4QpruQMP7Qktv30FL_9ZWONW2K4qLUVDqjqc0/s1600/IMG_6472+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First turtle free of the net</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KibIij6vO_ns6pwGHsSRh5QAlccxvLKa4l0oUIBEw0tZYa2ZY-sGyKnZsFMQwR9BR2h3l_woxmM6JNEsn-W_p62uUunFtEPGKlKZR4jFqMKEEDi3uRQR_GVB9tOO3HF9IbviS4uIYJfv/s1600/IMG_6478+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KibIij6vO_ns6pwGHsSRh5QAlccxvLKa4l0oUIBEw0tZYa2ZY-sGyKnZsFMQwR9BR2h3l_woxmM6JNEsn-W_p62uUunFtEPGKlKZR4jFqMKEEDi3uRQR_GVB9tOO3HF9IbviS4uIYJfv/s1600/IMG_6478+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being set free</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q-qh0ZJdMim0VoB7eHMqD1r06PLPTeFxAej6L8o9xfei0lWRaoVyl6cAWSDrS-eIjbJxZLX1tIrKHQbHjEJgveD4NgW_UvAsiyNRe4CLoAEm8J8OuxzsL8cC8mUg5bzr6MDG8Pg9XBWb/s1600/IMG_6487+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q-qh0ZJdMim0VoB7eHMqD1r06PLPTeFxAej6L8o9xfei0lWRaoVyl6cAWSDrS-eIjbJxZLX1tIrKHQbHjEJgveD4NgW_UvAsiyNRe4CLoAEm8J8OuxzsL8cC8mUg5bzr6MDG8Pg9XBWb/s1600/IMG_6487+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once off the sand moved fast to get back to the ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WTtMpkl5igl0dhor6Z6Uq5p7-prsLHtxaS2upVGxXgwBdg0E2q0_Qg9D-6xgvM0jsmmCiEPAgdbKlEd2ElX7ctEplniXPwVmzc_0rnHwV_zPHNv1wICoGXF5-WcfPxw6dWmRfwC6kRmu/s1600/IMG_6496+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WTtMpkl5igl0dhor6Z6Uq5p7-prsLHtxaS2upVGxXgwBdg0E2q0_Qg9D-6xgvM0jsmmCiEPAgdbKlEd2ElX7ctEplniXPwVmzc_0rnHwV_zPHNv1wICoGXF5-WcfPxw6dWmRfwC6kRmu/s1600/IMG_6496+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second smaller turtle caught in a lot of netting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytzmg5NdWTB5EBT2dNfNKetjOL0e8h9NbxpjkbOU5w1NT9juaPB5TkZO6UZI8kS7wUZ4r_Ec3f8v9oGwrwvixqwdnUuXfD4rf4G4Y5X5TR9OOrNLhUJpS-_q36FTEjrIGmrmjWruscHCK/s1600/IMG_6499+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytzmg5NdWTB5EBT2dNfNKetjOL0e8h9NbxpjkbOU5w1NT9juaPB5TkZO6UZI8kS7wUZ4r_Ec3f8v9oGwrwvixqwdnUuXfD4rf4G4Y5X5TR9OOrNLhUJpS-_q36FTEjrIGmrmjWruscHCK/s1600/IMG_6499+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisherman struggling to free it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCzh5u0NoD87lp0gW9-SltQY7eRuvCc9glhnElTRMBVJN7-T3CbE7uUdkLGUCac7MG6BEU6-e7Dn_tOkI3BEly2boN9XKncKi3lwfuP2lu3F4B6f5Gp8KCniVUS8mTd3x5SyYZvk23pWH/s1600/IMG_6506+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCzh5u0NoD87lp0gW9-SltQY7eRuvCc9glhnElTRMBVJN7-T3CbE7uUdkLGUCac7MG6BEU6-e7Dn_tOkI3BEly2boN9XKncKi3lwfuP2lu3F4B6f5Gp8KCniVUS8mTd3x5SyYZvk23pWH/s1600/IMG_6506+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of netting to cut free</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-LC6nOnHOzA2ov7Ar7OeP2iW811OOocKznKN4CXiM79GDMy_pdiVYxqVwzLRKHNY8B7xjEetGeqXYwlaBKr88aO5mTyeb5vFom0y9-lCDtSx2r5uWsoVKEJ1FUWgusf-6Hu5Tndu5Owi/s1600/IMG_6512+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-LC6nOnHOzA2ov7Ar7OeP2iW811OOocKznKN4CXiM79GDMy_pdiVYxqVwzLRKHNY8B7xjEetGeqXYwlaBKr88aO5mTyeb5vFom0y9-lCDtSx2r5uWsoVKEJ1FUWgusf-6Hu5Tndu5Owi/s1600/IMG_6512+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't look injured</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFt8jyPDD4i5C6lfgRvbIp9BkvahCmFSoU97GL8XdxzGNA6SCkvJUhmTSUGc3ubR_2pOo8OnFnHL5_NM1cLZtFv0lF-pacaGbrfOQ3L2U4DKdIDIxA3IEDIpK2SqYH3eLfsi_tQgbTxsrL/s1600/IMG_6515+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFt8jyPDD4i5C6lfgRvbIp9BkvahCmFSoU97GL8XdxzGNA6SCkvJUhmTSUGc3ubR_2pOo8OnFnHL5_NM1cLZtFv0lF-pacaGbrfOQ3L2U4DKdIDIxA3IEDIpK2SqYH3eLfsi_tQgbTxsrL/s1600/IMG_6515+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Netting almost free</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquWFHEGQKAk6sqRPLH0W0qbXur5yFyjUfKwF2kM2DyvkiGscSU7ZFToNpc6JycIItBubbt48o0DtV2SfG7VQXMPFnEd91qtzBeFm-6V_xVzdRTmxp_xy_a9Ku5bXTtGITjMfMbPTjKNYu/s1600/IMG_6517+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquWFHEGQKAk6sqRPLH0W0qbXur5yFyjUfKwF2kM2DyvkiGscSU7ZFToNpc6JycIItBubbt48o0DtV2SfG7VQXMPFnEd91qtzBeFm-6V_xVzdRTmxp_xy_a9Ku5bXTtGITjMfMbPTjKNYu/s1600/IMG_6517+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last little bit to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGga55TjRjgV-SUfzMooKDm3kODCRBgJqjfZErZCU3ECXltFKte8pXqIF4hjEZzcjtWH3yESzfBkMU0G-Ly_z2GgXsL4lqPGE2TirCHu1mth5BUPrtF6lWNS02QLcIYvCmLuD0NJXU1z7/s1600/IMG_6518+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGga55TjRjgV-SUfzMooKDm3kODCRBgJqjfZErZCU3ECXltFKte8pXqIF4hjEZzcjtWH3yESzfBkMU0G-Ly_z2GgXsL4lqPGE2TirCHu1mth5BUPrtF6lWNS02QLcIYvCmLuD0NJXU1z7/s1600/IMG_6518+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turtle is free and sent off to freedom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHiBL67iBBsufiV1TmmVkkt18BDt6ZlxH02HPI_yP04hksDXprf2sRcGEevvM3PN66MCybyKLEcl0f8cD-OZiNoobIPZ_piyo4CzzEW9nrSWuGspGv6Hbycb7ptdo1B0S7LRXlHly_7tQ/s1600/IMG_6521+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHiBL67iBBsufiV1TmmVkkt18BDt6ZlxH02HPI_yP04hksDXprf2sRcGEevvM3PN66MCybyKLEcl0f8cD-OZiNoobIPZ_piyo4CzzEW9nrSWuGspGv6Hbycb7ptdo1B0S7LRXlHly_7tQ/s1600/IMG_6521+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7YsTeYWaZ08KpqX0w25tvEO5S6J_KzNQhEopcb5TRAnSaFetLWd1st5KB9vGUKAuml5J865ngsHLVZBkSpT39z8efxS0qwa6hkFW-1LlASiBVnsWSCig8ze7GVArxI7lsMtWSixuW4N1/s1600/IMG_6522+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7YsTeYWaZ08KpqX0w25tvEO5S6J_KzNQhEopcb5TRAnSaFetLWd1st5KB9vGUKAuml5J865ngsHLVZBkSpT39z8efxS0qwa6hkFW-1LlASiBVnsWSCig8ze7GVArxI7lsMtWSixuW4N1/s1600/IMG_6522+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1-UhNBi2DcNhejiJTHX9SIvesSt2y6I2gVwWGTsFtXgQxq5dvQBWxQnJPDNKIwGLKeNXeJrMKyVmrtecMZ2yGGrhTKfj4_yaqX0kRwAtlF9wdZ9VhnN2fP8lXd-U4xI6Xy-8z42RbVBv/s1600/IMG_6529+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1-UhNBi2DcNhejiJTHX9SIvesSt2y6I2gVwWGTsFtXgQxq5dvQBWxQnJPDNKIwGLKeNXeJrMKyVmrtecMZ2yGGrhTKfj4_yaqX0kRwAtlF9wdZ9VhnN2fP8lXd-U4xI6Xy-8z42RbVBv/s1600/IMG_6529+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBDaELkCtmo0bbgV4ArAfekVaoCegGGdbfSbKylspwAiw3LAP8Kdj73D6wYexZ40X6u57SAsrHYh-GC2wjXGepi6YpyHvKz7LY4xyNs5VHbChW4mYKK4kbtVVqcpgc7Ecry2AUHJ_nFLT/s1600/IMG_6532+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBDaELkCtmo0bbgV4ArAfekVaoCegGGdbfSbKylspwAiw3LAP8Kdj73D6wYexZ40X6u57SAsrHYh-GC2wjXGepi6YpyHvKz7LY4xyNs5VHbChW4mYKK4kbtVVqcpgc7Ecry2AUHJ_nFLT/s1600/IMG_6532+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fisherman return to water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-55897291674344017582014-08-18T07:37:00.000+01:002014-08-18T07:37:35.439+01:00Run Turtle Run!<div class="MsoNormal">
Today there is a little more green in the ocean; green
turtle that is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of our Directors is very involved with the local turtle
watch and told me the nest outside Colobus Conservation was almost ready to
hatch. 11 days had passed and I was loosing hope that I was going to actually
see this amazing natural event; as I leave <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> in one week. Apparently they
were late due to the cold weather and high tides</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well this morning I got the call saying there was disturbance
at the nest and that they expected them out any time soon. Usually they hatch
at night to increase chances of safely making it to the ocean; but the lateness
meant it could happen during the day. On putting the phone down I grabbed my
camera and ran for the beach filled with excitement. Thankfully today I was
finally going to witness the green turtle hatchlings breaking out of their nest
and running for the ocean. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we got there we saw the marked nest and the path to the
ocean had been cleared to give the hatchlings the best possible chance. They
have to be careful when marking the nests as local people can dig them out and
eat or sell them to tourists. We then waited around for about 45 minutes before
we started to see some movement. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qC2iHfVTworZCRSSQzRGXwEprMoK9i6WoHYm1fdbx413TlAjzuoF-4ixD-r3ZQB1mxDXQHZLtEZdaHI2yeAhwue5YFBSblW8hvGYeUTEssJrPShMVw9hGGgnmWrNZwLg0ltziHvTCKrG/s1600/IMG_6263+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qC2iHfVTworZCRSSQzRGXwEprMoK9i6WoHYm1fdbx413TlAjzuoF-4ixD-r3ZQB1mxDXQHZLtEZdaHI2yeAhwue5YFBSblW8hvGYeUTEssJrPShMVw9hGGgnmWrNZwLg0ltziHvTCKrG/s1600/IMG_6263+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nest ready for action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4B-VGZ7VuPCYW0y5EoXs31aQ4MH2W-NUYgHBXSEu6zo_zx7M6CK29NIaLslYfpJ5pgpdXCZLz5XuUv1QtXPFSJIGMM9uNtoowcExKEZYvixuCbcJ_tjj6eXMiLCiz7nb6Mko3Kztvujf/s1600/DSC_8831+(1280x848).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4B-VGZ7VuPCYW0y5EoXs31aQ4MH2W-NUYgHBXSEu6zo_zx7M6CK29NIaLslYfpJ5pgpdXCZLz5XuUv1QtXPFSJIGMM9uNtoowcExKEZYvixuCbcJ_tjj6eXMiLCiz7nb6Mko3Kztvujf/s1600/DSC_8831+(1280x848).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone was poised for turtles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first one popped out and then stopped as if to adjust
its sight and get its bearings. Then the little guy just ran as fast as a
little turtle covered in sand can. All of a sudden another one came out, then
another and another and another. By this time the nest was uncovered and tens of
green turtle hatchlings were pouring out of this hole. They were all darting
for the ocean, but some seemed to take a slightly longer route than others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzP-GLt5fRxA8px599bWycJ0hTqohIA9zI7aw1ir-EAzEqlc-ikLK4YJQVes3jNJcmszYU-5RBsqIIblRItox1_buNPk6cKwQi3I25tIqlj0Xf8D5NSRlyhKqidmLqtVIHLhqgFZDR41En/s1600/IMG_6282+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzP-GLt5fRxA8px599bWycJ0hTqohIA9zI7aw1ir-EAzEqlc-ikLK4YJQVes3jNJcmszYU-5RBsqIIblRItox1_buNPk6cKwQi3I25tIqlj0Xf8D5NSRlyhKqidmLqtVIHLhqgFZDR41En/s1600/IMG_6282+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first Green Turtles coming out the sand and making for the ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbONoDc73YW52_zHGcKiTQ29qCKuZaM5F2XyE0IFy94UKOgl8_o184frky821h6tCfdxJAIQBsmRVPDDkYSpyb4GAQwhUTe_Zcvt_QTbWycKjLZ6o5-TS2kzHOh0mf70gkFp8QOVTJddD/s1600/IMG_6283+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbONoDc73YW52_zHGcKiTQ29qCKuZaM5F2XyE0IFy94UKOgl8_o184frky821h6tCfdxJAIQBsmRVPDDkYSpyb4GAQwhUTe_Zcvt_QTbWycKjLZ6o5-TS2kzHOh0mf70gkFp8QOVTJddD/s1600/IMG_6283+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then a couple more</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhywM6TS19dpTB2No35QFq9LMVJh1JIqYHLC5nRg9tP4gN49n_MVONkhP92gR_X_g1sh-sRqysuNohyH3Fd1OjLlQ44HULyulBGhp4vocHsmy-8mBMI1jyAByc5VfXwVIxKE9UcyLHngU/s1600/IMG_6304+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhywM6TS19dpTB2No35QFq9LMVJh1JIqYHLC5nRg9tP4gN49n_MVONkhP92gR_X_g1sh-sRqysuNohyH3Fd1OjLlQ44HULyulBGhp4vocHsmy-8mBMI1jyAByc5VfXwVIxKE9UcyLHngU/s1600/IMG_6304+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then even more</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNnPF_xvLBrMfT7UML-jIHlP4cTP-H7hCJeid49yBlvxCxXbZ6yzkG5A5HuQK5rfOn3gzbU_zPPBc13ocGqYJjohR-UedCCnSlyyl_qMvGQiN7l4YulVf_hWWWlMRex5BQeyT14quau33/s1600/IMG_6310+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNnPF_xvLBrMfT7UML-jIHlP4cTP-H7hCJeid49yBlvxCxXbZ6yzkG5A5HuQK5rfOn3gzbU_zPPBc13ocGqYJjohR-UedCCnSlyyl_qMvGQiN7l4YulVf_hWWWlMRex5BQeyT14quau33/s1600/IMG_6310+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then the nest just exploded with baby turtles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURsVPGB4HjV3dzWaqVPb7S0U0k0kih9FqP9J70w0BvBIkR_sDGrqIE7ENCCo0ENRevlcbEXmBJLEFTF6ten9-B1q36QAI0j35ZTE-VDe5mbuF5YEn-OWquXEX7HJm-Pz5jcH15QIRDoPc/s1600/IMG_6325+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURsVPGB4HjV3dzWaqVPb7S0U0k0kih9FqP9J70w0BvBIkR_sDGrqIE7ENCCo0ENRevlcbEXmBJLEFTF6ten9-B1q36QAI0j35ZTE-VDe5mbuF5YEn-OWquXEX7HJm-Pz5jcH15QIRDoPc/s1600/IMG_6325+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy stopped on reaching the surface, then ran like the wind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFn4qlFprbRGUsklrX6913AKg8ERqg3g1kbpzGVzwdZMAZJa6OFmoxm8g6PfUH34_1ge2hxwR1PJK1Q-lPHaR9Q6T_BB8weh_3nocpePhS4-Svzq3d_a4rSpOWTJRV1kGd7FAYJ7ayQRg/s1600/DSC_8856+(848x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFn4qlFprbRGUsklrX6913AKg8ERqg3g1kbpzGVzwdZMAZJa6OFmoxm8g6PfUH34_1ge2hxwR1PJK1Q-lPHaR9Q6T_BB8weh_3nocpePhS4-Svzq3d_a4rSpOWTJRV1kGd7FAYJ7ayQRg/s1600/DSC_8856+(848x1280).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were just so many</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDSUXtMNqtrZAOdY81T4FjMGtpVDFIO_0tPCY4bxnOtLFqf5MNF5zd5_MGZ07jGpzIMF1YjIzftDqkyDcE33buiuNdbZUNjYwsnnA0UtgHDrNywMGB2cm3gP9qPP5X2y72aUMgltGjTkI/s1600/P1080155+(960x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDSUXtMNqtrZAOdY81T4FjMGtpVDFIO_0tPCY4bxnOtLFqf5MNF5zd5_MGZ07jGpzIMF1YjIzftDqkyDcE33buiuNdbZUNjYwsnnA0UtgHDrNywMGB2cm3gP9qPP5X2y72aUMgltGjTkI/s1600/P1080155+(960x1280).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost at the water little guy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNoYDyXA1wEioBvdugTaLfPz1PoRsEUTX4kNvlLsCWimbhHoRRtOU7Uc6y19dJBv2yrJ6LwDgg22BSe_szIFhYT8qwJrNJp-Yb80MGSs_5qC4Pywk_WzFw87MB-R41IN71nZ_eKJGSIq8/s1600/IMG_6342+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNoYDyXA1wEioBvdugTaLfPz1PoRsEUTX4kNvlLsCWimbhHoRRtOU7Uc6y19dJBv2yrJ6LwDgg22BSe_szIFhYT8qwJrNJp-Yb80MGSs_5qC4Pywk_WzFw87MB-R41IN71nZ_eKJGSIq8/s1600/IMG_6342+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had a long way to go in baby turtle terms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first ones started to reach the water (about 20 meters
away) within minutes and they were initially pushed back up the beach by the
waves. Luckily the wave then swept them out into the big blue ocean, and with
just one final bobble on the top they disappeared out of sight forever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYOn9zMaG4CogyZKXArCX-2URilskZfMn0aHz_g6L_0g8WvcUMGmUlQfUmGTZ0Xm0iOQ3BeH-U0SMUbFtqHjL14ZTKxIq86JfMxXa4ObVEGWngzgPFmbAtz69HU0CkiqBYfbjrBxUSLVQ/s1600/IMG_6384+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYOn9zMaG4CogyZKXArCX-2URilskZfMn0aHz_g6L_0g8WvcUMGmUlQfUmGTZ0Xm0iOQ3BeH-U0SMUbFtqHjL14ZTKxIq86JfMxXa4ObVEGWngzgPFmbAtz69HU0CkiqBYfbjrBxUSLVQ/s1600/IMG_6384+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were moving fast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvt5H4FFnRown44U_LoVCnocnTRAB18oiiFqKHY_bbEIF7FGwV7-J6T6bQAK3t6Ry7Ixp0v41-r3H2nWqjr137CKT1Nxa83cJnCnhBZLpyqmKcmw_novtK2k-fU6xWiWSZayVO12fepdL/s1600/IMG_6423+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvt5H4FFnRown44U_LoVCnocnTRAB18oiiFqKHY_bbEIF7FGwV7-J6T6bQAK3t6Ry7Ixp0v41-r3H2nWqjr137CKT1Nxa83cJnCnhBZLpyqmKcmw_novtK2k-fU6xWiWSZayVO12fepdL/s1600/IMG_6423+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught this guy mid flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEipO3M8yxGcQHvjBx_8WbxQ16NzqXhZhn4GUcfQAGFhPOeYLcqrPaLU2CaLNNLIQajrakM7HFP5OWyvbTD0J6AuUaX-8UMrCZsD3mMPte_rXypyAumVsRrnj1Tqr0dcAzfM_PqdqliKM/s1600/IMG_6392+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEipO3M8yxGcQHvjBx_8WbxQ16NzqXhZhn4GUcfQAGFhPOeYLcqrPaLU2CaLNNLIQajrakM7HFP5OWyvbTD0J6AuUaX-8UMrCZsD3mMPte_rXypyAumVsRrnj1Tqr0dcAzfM_PqdqliKM/s1600/IMG_6392+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting closer, no looking back now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55SMDEiYAbOPtZAmPusropulRexzNksRefwKDcUqPjtaSsI4EI9MotoG3DhC8pYRa7s7GT1wJkban-SSO7CrWiiIz6UD277Axk-ClB6OIoXJDxkqnTVyFjgqjXKda2qZYz9J9hsrvXqbL/s1600/IMG_6434+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55SMDEiYAbOPtZAmPusropulRexzNksRefwKDcUqPjtaSsI4EI9MotoG3DhC8pYRa7s7GT1wJkban-SSO7CrWiiIz6UD277Axk-ClB6OIoXJDxkqnTVyFjgqjXKda2qZYz9J9hsrvXqbL/s1600/IMG_6434+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to hit the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfeLvlLl7C04cU5Ji8o3wS0eu2hwYKC_x0_x-ozxQ7SEk3BmRWODQ1HHrOXMIRFlNRkncYcRrH8Ipzigsh5VsVGT3Q7i3gIZTImxtJSJ_PCHf_kpU6gi4x0gVuvOd9Cl6Umxdvl8F9HdH/s1600/IMG_6438+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfeLvlLl7C04cU5Ji8o3wS0eu2hwYKC_x0_x-ozxQ7SEk3BmRWODQ1HHrOXMIRFlNRkncYcRrH8Ipzigsh5VsVGT3Q7i3gIZTImxtJSJ_PCHf_kpU6gi4x0gVuvOd9Cl6Umxdvl8F9HdH/s1600/IMG_6438+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only to be pushed back by the waves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmG-tczt7jYzEnv7icqu7Qt61_SmC-Yc1UkcwiaqbKzkL-rVHQrfgZF_2Z0kPR2lf4q8wbu8cJhzQGiq4Efb8mqU91CfXOAm0vOVH98D9jULUSIqb41hW3lBqeEJvslc7Q-_s3j39qvS-/s1600/DSC_8946+(1280x848).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmG-tczt7jYzEnv7icqu7Qt61_SmC-Yc1UkcwiaqbKzkL-rVHQrfgZF_2Z0kPR2lf4q8wbu8cJhzQGiq4Efb8mqU91CfXOAm0vOVH98D9jULUSIqb41hW3lBqeEJvslc7Q-_s3j39qvS-/s1600/DSC_8946+(1280x848).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guarding them till they hit the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkWphHajiaJbeQcSXgsx5XZ3njE-zdrh-Arr0ZcTQ6A8T9eRJJ-t-pLAZT2RIpKVD0NjP6znCOvdG_V3YEpPgEHNuovxdBuqOYLw6PLRX0-KoGvp4jXfpqmcmzA36VNm13a4agqj4M-Qd/s1600/DSC_9004+(1280x848).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkWphHajiaJbeQcSXgsx5XZ3njE-zdrh-Arr0ZcTQ6A8T9eRJJ-t-pLAZT2RIpKVD0NjP6znCOvdG_V3YEpPgEHNuovxdBuqOYLw6PLRX0-KoGvp4jXfpqmcmzA36VNm13a4agqj4M-Qd/s1600/DSC_9004+(1280x848).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shows just how small they are</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvl9NjrZIfhWZu0xyLyYjiVlnVphbMts9l3T-r2Im59QY9ZwlGkMSB11DdxsXXtjbv8Vv5pOxRdfZbx-aTN8dsfmnTg-iM63Z853x9aS5VhzBS507DLsm9eY5BVt9RsD9WBrx1vBMgDpq/s1600/turtle+leaving+(960x367).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvl9NjrZIfhWZu0xyLyYjiVlnVphbMts9l3T-r2Im59QY9ZwlGkMSB11DdxsXXtjbv8Vv5pOxRdfZbx-aTN8dsfmnTg-iM63Z853x9aS5VhzBS507DLsm9eY5BVt9RsD9WBrx1vBMgDpq/s1600/turtle+leaving+(960x367).jpg" height="244" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little guy waved goodbye to me before disappering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpxZ2cLe6loW3knhXzxL48K-g_AU1BAlSTHztO2P5e-uxd5quCYv_zG6fk6enKkzROmjcyBJRFsSg83WVmXTiLIjA7jSzCfhtqNzMRIO6GCiQDsED2HnC1o3Qpym866PSCKmLrEiPk4nt/s1600/IMG_6377+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpxZ2cLe6loW3knhXzxL48K-g_AU1BAlSTHztO2P5e-uxd5quCYv_zG6fk6enKkzROmjcyBJRFsSg83WVmXTiLIjA7jSzCfhtqNzMRIO6GCiQDsED2HnC1o3Qpym866PSCKmLrEiPk4nt/s1600/IMG_6377+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then they were just shadows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously all this commotion did not go unnoticed and before
we knew it passer bys (including Masai) were upon us taking photos. With the
increased footfall I started to get worried not only might some of the turtles
be trampled on, but they would be scared and not make it to the ocean. Gladly
this did not happen, and before we knew it this large beach that just moments
earlier had been filled with new life and excitement returned to a quiet, blank
surface where you wouldn’t even know this event had occurred. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIEuiYUVZAU0nTLqhgH4RWEnU3RZGb2vAC1jpZeBerV4jP2zT4Td7a_mlmK7XCD0xDyIelFDUMfklN8fJ8kvd91wl4ao2x7fUAAGU3gxw_-IinfbvKPAvvBkOsyZp9ZDpy_c5NKw3Dkhs/s1600/IMG_6414+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIEuiYUVZAU0nTLqhgH4RWEnU3RZGb2vAC1jpZeBerV4jP2zT4Td7a_mlmK7XCD0xDyIelFDUMfklN8fJ8kvd91wl4ao2x7fUAAGU3gxw_-IinfbvKPAvvBkOsyZp9ZDpy_c5NKw3Dkhs/s1600/IMG_6414+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone wanted to see the turtles start their lives</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPYzmFhzy2jnM_wybCaD6QIkP-5ZdjPuIhoXBffqfA_0ALoFDeRKDyp-CYhHkCycH_y0gNRTEAZdGChEUWHVObqJCWMBT0OQdlHlkVds-hUXPHFwdvVkaewU7wLUeJtNSf0Utuq7qDmB6/s1600/IMG_6408+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPYzmFhzy2jnM_wybCaD6QIkP-5ZdjPuIhoXBffqfA_0ALoFDeRKDyp-CYhHkCycH_y0gNRTEAZdGChEUWHVObqJCWMBT0OQdlHlkVds-hUXPHFwdvVkaewU7wLUeJtNSf0Utuq7qDmB6/s1600/IMG_6408+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Important to get a selfie with the turtles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwfTRo648etVwQvoZARDZwPTi1gG8vR1q41oSM196GABjM6NivV-Uk1qRVaxrq-nhbzykwaqMhpY1qVePNuXXkdXOFObnZz7yDCsufr1FRu5owc9wMysr_rdtPorYtEE3BdIOPV4BRTt7/s1600/IMG_6410+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwfTRo648etVwQvoZARDZwPTi1gG8vR1q41oSM196GABjM6NivV-Uk1qRVaxrq-nhbzykwaqMhpY1qVePNuXXkdXOFObnZz7yDCsufr1FRu5owc9wMysr_rdtPorYtEE3BdIOPV4BRTt7/s1600/IMG_6410+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Within a few short minutes tracks was all that was left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoTCVfcT4PAuKRbwEv0OeWyAfUX_OwE9KwvAmYX9yEMhmYgpaBfuX2DDQr5Y1c7bEQhE4MWdD19kgbGBVqjiobLLm2wTTLxfGS09_PfERfZ7DRaOCbeA8gDKfaoCmcfEd3SJe1aJD20nC/s1600/DSC_8972+(1280x848).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoTCVfcT4PAuKRbwEv0OeWyAfUX_OwE9KwvAmYX9yEMhmYgpaBfuX2DDQr5Y1c7bEQhE4MWdD19kgbGBVqjiobLLm2wTTLxfGS09_PfERfZ7DRaOCbeA8gDKfaoCmcfEd3SJe1aJD20nC/s1600/DSC_8972+(1280x848).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG did we really just witness that</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On returning to the nest Juma (a trained local turtle
expert) excavated it to check none of the turtles were trapped. The nest was at
least 50cm deep and he had been counting the turtles as they had appeared with
the final numbers being 135 survived and 17 died in the nest; some due to crabs
others just didn’t hatch. So out of 157 eggs it was a very successful hatching.
Apparently only a handful will make it to adulthood as usually a lot will be
killed on the way to the ocean (crabs, birds, ants), and through their first
year by fish etc. The human factor and lateness of the nest meant all of the
emerging hatchlings successfully made it to the water; they are on their own
from there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RDc1eoSKEA_rdu2dx0tbvujvDiTkyrbMWrhxYqeGvzFEPIrQVkfNEbEEQ9GDH0YUYOmYZ4NPtkIHzwMY3J3dyFY_XuKisX8IcnJ9TI43Xtg33qoCiEzNkwhdYh2rTTiZ-Yuyq58dIrMO/s1600/IMG_6459+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RDc1eoSKEA_rdu2dx0tbvujvDiTkyrbMWrhxYqeGvzFEPIrQVkfNEbEEQ9GDH0YUYOmYZ4NPtkIHzwMY3J3dyFY_XuKisX8IcnJ9TI43Xtg33qoCiEzNkwhdYh2rTTiZ-Yuyq58dIrMO/s1600/IMG_6459+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The successfully hatched shells on the left, dead ones on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_0hkVdNyeomzE5m4Vo6uZueD-SHnc4S7vZkJM347TLWTl9-fjZgs7UdiaSuZMRi5f2BCPvbrzLrs2W1Znql0gcgtOP6kmewqpvgZCwckm4qej8aFP-YaIpWR6cSzaFD1NpWAo4UAn5uc/s1600/IMG_6462+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_0hkVdNyeomzE5m4Vo6uZueD-SHnc4S7vZkJM347TLWTl9-fjZgs7UdiaSuZMRi5f2BCPvbrzLrs2W1Znql0gcgtOP6kmewqpvgZCwckm4qej8aFP-YaIpWR6cSzaFD1NpWAo4UAn5uc/s1600/IMG_6462+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">17 did not make it out the nest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was without doubt a memorable moment that I will treasure
for the rest of my life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTZTeWG_0Mn5z8YBKndknnDpBYJTbkcFHb76s2jQ8MJVBjPZ1963r85SBhmhfdYBGOSNOw_gPAM-Xq6j6WuVUba8dR6lZEsXNLEFXIZCfyuT68Ukfp9yJ0_KQDNGZ790uEuEA0zRQyEQ4/s1600/DSC_8803+(1280x848).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTZTeWG_0Mn5z8YBKndknnDpBYJTbkcFHb76s2jQ8MJVBjPZ1963r85SBhmhfdYBGOSNOw_gPAM-Xq6j6WuVUba8dR6lZEsXNLEFXIZCfyuT68Ukfp9yJ0_KQDNGZ790uEuEA0zRQyEQ4/s1600/DSC_8803+(1280x848).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that was left to do was wonder what they are getting up to under the big blue ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read more about Green Turtles here – <a href="http://bit.ly/YnlYQX">http://bit.ly/YnlYQX</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See all my photos from <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> and never miss an update by
liking my Facebook page – <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disclaimer:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-17210871315256650412014-08-14T18:42:00.001+01:002014-08-14T19:02:33.400+01:00The Rare Sable of Shimba<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I recently went to a talk hosted by the Shimba Support Group
(SSG) on the Sable Antelope (Sable) of Shimba Hills National Reserve (SHNR).
There are only 60 Sables left (increasing from 56 in 2012) and they all reside
in the Shimba area; therefore at high risk of exctintion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBxoxWucZcV_ypBDuGQEMTNRTe2trWGqS4XjQFzn6TyM9dvHsUM1ZGN9Yy9J9EvyWegtHdg7NOWFEjR7tqe7yM7iNNrenHP3-TGjf0iiavo957mFuLbiu0y9bGGiuxePY2CZvccc9zgBR/s1600/IMG_5427+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBxoxWucZcV_ypBDuGQEMTNRTe2trWGqS4XjQFzn6TyM9dvHsUM1ZGN9Yy9J9EvyWegtHdg7NOWFEjR7tqe7yM7iNNrenHP3-TGjf0iiavo957mFuLbiu0y9bGGiuxePY2CZvccc9zgBR/s1600/IMG_5427+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On arriving this out of place sofa was very comfortable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The talk was held at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) office
in Diani in what appeared to be an outside storage area. I met up with Shazaad
(chair of SSG) and examined the interesting drawings on the wall; including a
house, Barrack Obama, what appeared to be Wayne Rooney and fittingly a Sable.
We then took our seats (some chairs were better than others) and waited for the
talk to being.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYEj5PRrC5cNGvJsBJuRqa3MT-5MMnQWGg4r2SUdCV1ZI48_6yTdYvK78TdhA9Q9AYEpbrqD8s7kV6HA1x_xwzIp8RP07QVUjSChhc0ZHWKg8wHI85A22POOl9pKMKNFZBeACG1EElHqA/s1600/IMG_5421+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYEj5PRrC5cNGvJsBJuRqa3MT-5MMnQWGg4r2SUdCV1ZI48_6yTdYvK78TdhA9Q9AYEpbrqD8s7kV6HA1x_xwzIp8RP07QVUjSChhc0ZHWKg8wHI85A22POOl9pKMKNFZBeACG1EElHqA/s1600/IMG_5421+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KWS support the SSG and it was held at their office in Diani</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjwtslI8DVSMiAW4pU0woRlNbP6aDiW1a8-ZXs5LKCHjn1u5xcVp_Nt-DY6_Hh5hlam5w9S0xBUHeSrUdkapbP3zcG-g-EFX_hbL9obu5Ae5k1mHDNYoyjorGMc9GZuRstPToTHQb6Wnx/s1600/IMG_5419+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjwtslI8DVSMiAW4pU0woRlNbP6aDiW1a8-ZXs5LKCHjn1u5xcVp_Nt-DY6_Hh5hlam5w9S0xBUHeSrUdkapbP3zcG-g-EFX_hbL9obu5Ae5k1mHDNYoyjorGMc9GZuRstPToTHQb6Wnx/s1600/IMG_5419+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting up with the SSG Chair, Shazaad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB_BhWPlSDWXVcawc7z2Zfcs8FrBoRLs3beQxJ0xBStmRkdDGQkF0QxT0WdVIOcUecDZXCDjfHQzC1xWQTfzzJLCVjAWR1P3bUfReX_IRDzFDmnDbjURsarhCK3tM9vnBVQBfvi8RJGsz/s1600/IMG_5420+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB_BhWPlSDWXVcawc7z2Zfcs8FrBoRLs3beQxJ0xBStmRkdDGQkF0QxT0WdVIOcUecDZXCDjfHQzC1xWQTfzzJLCVjAWR1P3bUfReX_IRDzFDmnDbjURsarhCK3tM9vnBVQBfvi8RJGsz/s1600/IMG_5420+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope I did not choose this chair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7Buo4p9pez9_JfAtyCyE7yYjb9cEr5iPWawMsqCZ3qYX5QVea_teAIaPJkkCkwd18etclgnoUCkKBrMBS2rpDL4bmIIOpNj4aqMvkvKzuhbnXCLMjlFd_nWQSbSUfwF-TP9KdJ_obzMu/s1600/IMG_5428+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7Buo4p9pez9_JfAtyCyE7yYjb9cEr5iPWawMsqCZ3qYX5QVea_teAIaPJkkCkwd18etclgnoUCkKBrMBS2rpDL4bmIIOpNj4aqMvkvKzuhbnXCLMjlFd_nWQSbSUfwF-TP9KdJ_obzMu/s1600/IMG_5428+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sable drawing on the wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shazad opened the talk and was talking about how there is <i>“to little emphasis on the Sable and that
more is put on the big animals like the Elephant, Lion and Rhino. If we are not
careful the Sable could be lost forever and that would be a big blow for <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place></st1:country-region> in the
fight for wildlife conservation”.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main talk was then underway and was delivered by two SSG
committee members Ayesha and Esme as well as Nathan from KWS, who as an active
ranger within SHNR. It began with basic facts about the Sable like:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">There
are five subspecies of the Sable and <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>
has the Roosevelt Sable (Hippotragus
<st1:country-region w:st="on">niger</st1:country-region>
roosevelti).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Classed
as endangered in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>,
but the IUCN has it as least concern because it lumps it together with the
other sub species, except the critically endangerd Giant Sable.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Males
are black in colour with the females & young a chestnut brown.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Male
& female both have horns reaching 81-165cm & 61-102cm respectively</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Typical
in herds of 20-25 with a dominant bull, cows, sub adult females and young
bulls usually below 24 months.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The
young bulls group together in bachelor herds until they reach 4 or 5 to
look for their own group.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">One
dominant female will lead the herd and will usually be the oldest,
healthiest & darkest in colour.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3LKVQDofeCWBhFnTHG0ru4OsOJgFmXF9k2XljDvu7LqOJyJujUxAwvq5NMPToVdy2ziHti5E7uzyQJzgnkNGy05kxa_HO713HGg8bzswdL1Fc5yaKl_hxEjEbSHRLgqNlYzJqgyS7Yby/s1600/IMG_2022+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3LKVQDofeCWBhFnTHG0ru4OsOJgFmXF9k2XljDvu7LqOJyJujUxAwvq5NMPToVdy2ziHti5E7uzyQJzgnkNGy05kxa_HO713HGg8bzswdL1Fc5yaKl_hxEjEbSHRLgqNlYzJqgyS7Yby/s1600/IMG_2022+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKaSSidWG4xkrutMhLsC9oC7DieUQxd65IPRRfe2Ir4GZfRMJV01aZAo_GcvMcRSPIzFGI9Nsh7gJiUMmqg-_klycKPzuFgYEj77TMFvCVKmLkIgjwh5cl3O-jyoS6Zeuowu82SqgXsFT/s1600/IMG_2027+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKaSSidWG4xkrutMhLsC9oC7DieUQxd65IPRRfe2Ir4GZfRMJV01aZAo_GcvMcRSPIzFGI9Nsh7gJiUMmqg-_klycKPzuFgYEj77TMFvCVKmLkIgjwh5cl3O-jyoS6Zeuowu82SqgXsFT/s1600/IMG_2027+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMAvARzEX-NErNz7nVI5DF9HsOrSRQRbfRhJLdivF0-vwrtP8QdEjPJm8Cs1HMV_mPNCkyvItqDVk4TITLIs1xUc0H6beJJGHZjmD6_9ZcsfyhNVQPRmVsigxhQgLxPb70JYT_ubn0yQ_/s1600/IMG_2044+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMAvARzEX-NErNz7nVI5DF9HsOrSRQRbfRhJLdivF0-vwrtP8QdEjPJm8Cs1HMV_mPNCkyvItqDVk4TITLIs1xUc0H6beJJGHZjmD6_9ZcsfyhNVQPRmVsigxhQgLxPb70JYT_ubn0yQ_/s1600/IMG_2044+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then they moved on to the threats facing the Sable in
Shimba, the main ones being:</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Inbreeding,
Poor Habitat, Malnutrition (apparently the soil is lacking in calcium
& phosphate), poaching, farming including livestock grazing.</li>
</ul>
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And the main challenges:</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Security,
monitoring, diversifying the population of the Sable.</li>
</ul>
<div>
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Some good news is that the new wildlife act that was
introduced this year to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>
now classes the Sable as an endangered species. This means the penalties for
poaching them is similar to elephants with a fine of 1 million KES; we will
wait to see how effective this is in being implemented.<br />
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This talk was followed by one from Dadley Tsiganyiu
Deputy/Community Warden of SHNR. He repeated some information, but concentrated
more on how we must include the local community in any action to protect the
Sable going forward. They are the ones who will truly decide if this species
survives or is lost from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>
forever. Problems like logging, charcoal burning, firewood collection and
farming can all be made more sustainable. If more education is put into these
communities and their local skills, like wood carving, are used effectively
they can become a resource; not a problem. The big challenges are poverty,
illiteracy, misinformation and that they see benefits as short term
materialistic items, rather than long term conservation.</div>
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There were a lot of questions asked towards the Warden and
some underlining anger as to why they are not aggressively marketing SHNR, as
well as the dwindling wildlife numbers like the Giraffe and Elephants. Shazaad
made a point that in previous years when it was marketed a lot more the visitor
rate (therefore income generation) went up greatly. This provides local jobs
and vital income to support the staff and communities within the park.</div>
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The Warden did say that unfortunately the <i>“conservation in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place></st1:country-region> is more political and that is
the main problem”</i>; I don’t know a country that doesn’t have that problem.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWxeBkVWs7hdozeowcZGPV6rFefrbLcp1YyACRJRfrbgihuBzyDJsIrko8BryvhMGFawZZcD2ite1XWK7G-fZrr7GoCkrLnkNCP9-kQSQka_YyZcRQnm7TqQGfCTIaqTnndCpTioevJkv/s1600/IMG_5442+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWxeBkVWs7hdozeowcZGPV6rFefrbLcp1YyACRJRfrbgihuBzyDJsIrko8BryvhMGFawZZcD2ite1XWK7G-fZrr7GoCkrLnkNCP9-kQSQka_YyZcRQnm7TqQGfCTIaqTnndCpTioevJkv/s1600/IMG_5442+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right, Dadley, Nathan, Esme, Ayesha, Shazaad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One thing that is clear is that there is a long way to go
and we must all work together and include everyone is the Sable is to be saved.</div>
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The new KWS Sable strategy can be viewed <a href="http://www.kcdp.co.ke/reports/project-reports/natural-resources/conservation-strategy-for-sable-antelopes">HERE</a>. </div>
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Read more about SHNR <a href="http://www.kws.org/parks/parks_reserves/SHNR.html">HERE</a>. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The Shimba Support Group is unique in that it works in
direct partnership with the KWS and so can have a huge impact on the work at
SHNR. If you are interested in finding out more about them or want to help out
more information is available <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/shimbasupportgroup/?fref=ts">HERE</a>.</div>
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If you visit Kenya then please do pop down to the South coast and check out this beautiful little gem that has a lot more to offer than you may think. If you don't believe me check out my own safari pictures:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qSj-FCMH39rn_jDfGDuZJlQVKSNvdm5KatU3V9O2wJd_MgYMrJ_57CPKdCunRjTrhr6qtVdzR1OBD1NLsBRlP5Xnmu6S4dpH6SkrNJBjPCiEfmRlC9VgLoI3jPDD_dI0vIeuZsjZ7juM/s1600/IMG_1965+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qSj-FCMH39rn_jDfGDuZJlQVKSNvdm5KatU3V9O2wJd_MgYMrJ_57CPKdCunRjTrhr6qtVdzR1OBD1NLsBRlP5Xnmu6S4dpH6SkrNJBjPCiEfmRlC9VgLoI3jPDD_dI0vIeuZsjZ7juM/s1600/IMG_1965+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warthog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHraUZAmkitdTFwdv9YT9MUkgwLY9lwa_lvGSsxXJWza0C8iVm0Oa-6mPfrhiyjz8jEiPlh3uVqo0pCc4EoNA3tfZyw8rdVwlRE7Vfju5HNwG51mi8nXy41MjJSSAOCIpKYA0r43UTmo3/s1600/IMG_1972+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHraUZAmkitdTFwdv9YT9MUkgwLY9lwa_lvGSsxXJWza0C8iVm0Oa-6mPfrhiyjz8jEiPlh3uVqo0pCc4EoNA3tfZyw8rdVwlRE7Vfju5HNwG51mi8nXy41MjJSSAOCIpKYA0r43UTmo3/s1600/IMG_1972+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YtNnu79nauBSueEwUb59QThYsQQTe3Pfg4rB9-KDB9n8p3qi-S9q5D8qX4kcqyPIUiBADAUIEm6KK2Oe3n8X4d5IdLFfEc1D9JEtRWLAupxr-p5M3hUs82ya3M-yGS9eq4iu_n-idtTi/s1600/IMG_8053+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YtNnu79nauBSueEwUb59QThYsQQTe3Pfg4rB9-KDB9n8p3qi-S9q5D8qX4kcqyPIUiBADAUIEm6KK2Oe3n8X4d5IdLFfEc1D9JEtRWLAupxr-p5M3hUs82ya3M-yGS9eq4iu_n-idtTi/s1600/IMG_8053+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful waterfall at the end of a lovely walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD4WFfQv7U6CYKTLRGGOzkWMw7WZMMB853w1FqLcE7AS9E6c_UhV-w3EmZGDYXS2lkPJjUf2VrrS1XndaJg7qK_LTNAL8XDXL0Hw8tbJmG6VBprO3_TVudZ5Yv_JqzbITOGkgY4YSGF5b/s1600/IMG_2056+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD4WFfQv7U6CYKTLRGGOzkWMw7WZMMB853w1FqLcE7AS9E6c_UhV-w3EmZGDYXS2lkPJjUf2VrrS1XndaJg7qK_LTNAL8XDXL0Hw8tbJmG6VBprO3_TVudZ5Yv_JqzbITOGkgY4YSGF5b/s1600/IMG_2056+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Giraffe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVGjQF5htjMobdmHfd9UD4o1CZgcIXD99axglkJ9339U06JZx8CejJX1Qa5djF-_o2GwYskfp1wlpnKOI2lyK6PBG7CG-YziYVVZ9aDv2IuvA3BovFqwjNvrqXg4r_IvcsBy59fMgD4AL/s1600/IMG_8127+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVGjQF5htjMobdmHfd9UD4o1CZgcIXD99axglkJ9339U06JZx8CejJX1Qa5djF-_o2GwYskfp1wlpnKOI2lyK6PBG7CG-YziYVVZ9aDv2IuvA3BovFqwjNvrqXg4r_IvcsBy59fMgD4AL/s1600/IMG_8127+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult Giraffe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RDDikkBLHMHJGMSxJZDKQZtS1c-om-ubo1J3TFyZtU9YNYQ9vgcv1YSuyYw1yQwFE0Mb-k0c7gfeQryXR1IxfX2CUETihGPKbi4PLREdEenzLcPv61m-8MIrvNVeqP2-Tujj_36heG-B/s1600/IMG_8066+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RDDikkBLHMHJGMSxJZDKQZtS1c-om-ubo1J3TFyZtU9YNYQ9vgcv1YSuyYw1yQwFE0Mb-k0c7gfeQryXR1IxfX2CUETihGPKbi4PLREdEenzLcPv61m-8MIrvNVeqP2-Tujj_36heG-B/s1600/IMG_8066+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the terrific wardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl80ekjWs6Nf2YrR8w1QyOdvON5cWF36KPTHm5MX_K_tIe2NM8oyUnAFIuG-olr8ChKHXXctHeenTVLNRqOhLZjBL7be8hUemNmSHWPxUFnDK7R2puIcQVk9zw1eVfEUvq9bKicC-uMxQ/s1600/IMG_9071+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl80ekjWs6Nf2YrR8w1QyOdvON5cWF36KPTHm5MX_K_tIe2NM8oyUnAFIuG-olr8ChKHXXctHeenTVLNRqOhLZjBL7be8hUemNmSHWPxUFnDK7R2puIcQVk9zw1eVfEUvq9bKicC-uMxQ/s1600/IMG_9071+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most fantastic view of the sun going down over Shimba Hills Nature Reserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</o:p></div>
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You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> on my Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
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Or on my facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links
posted."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-13956788460683369762014-07-29T15:46:00.000+01:002014-07-29T15:46:38.918+01:00My visit to Ukunda, a local Kenyan town.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Even though Ukunda (the local town) is only a ten minute
drive away I have not actually walked around it very much; and today was the
day. I grabbed a Matatu (local bus) and after a bumpy, squashed ride I arrived
in dusty Ukunda on a nice sunny day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNgwbge4_tt4k0ZZhcZwajpjngNroGGxCwAA9Kc8BNZ8uutz_ZD1i4Ogfd7K5TPEeDbHkmU8Xb1nJCuRaXIH_jqNtGM8sacz8gIpXNtZ5l5NAyZknOaiI_2Xzm_ySGX_BrAy1iapqVw-w/s1600/IMG_5028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNgwbge4_tt4k0ZZhcZwajpjngNroGGxCwAA9Kc8BNZ8uutz_ZD1i4Ogfd7K5TPEeDbHkmU8Xb1nJCuRaXIH_jqNtGM8sacz8gIpXNtZ5l5NAyZknOaiI_2Xzm_ySGX_BrAy1iapqVw-w/s1600/IMG_5028.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ukunda was born out of the rise of tourism to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Diani</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and has grown significantly over the last 20 years. It is where most of the
staff from the hotels live and a local community has risen up around it. Now it
is a bustling town of substantial size with daily markets, major bus routes
(Dar-Es-Salaam, <st1:place w:st="on">Mombasa</st1:place>), an airport and lively bars. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYef-L9IfhxW1XG5D8RgCpBym71nBRSPYh5343QT2Xh57m1X3wnH682Go3U_jjOLXrB0G29ONhe3H2lLuRhiiIFegOqUbJBw7SkNQ08JO4V1IdQ2aP-GWzO5RkjNbY9IznCxily5AUURre/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYef-L9IfhxW1XG5D8RgCpBym71nBRSPYh5343QT2Xh57m1X3wnH682Go3U_jjOLXrB0G29ONhe3H2lLuRhiiIFegOqUbJBw7SkNQ08JO4V1IdQ2aP-GWzO5RkjNbY9IznCxily5AUURre/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-uIjrIfzAxYNXMMG0D36Xii52lSduILHMZMlvBxoAEzIBuGtfxZsImR0Fxr7HmkLpKQ_vthvDFASwAOeSr1N0GuD8uP6PPYSHSqx2rYvKMw7Xhb1-UBWedpGso0PQlw2z5Yg9Ki1khtb/s1600/IMG_5034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-uIjrIfzAxYNXMMG0D36Xii52lSduILHMZMlvBxoAEzIBuGtfxZsImR0Fxr7HmkLpKQ_vthvDFASwAOeSr1N0GuD8uP6PPYSHSqx2rYvKMw7Xhb1-UBWedpGso0PQlw2z5Yg9Ki1khtb/s1600/IMG_5034.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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After disembarking through a tight squeeze off the Matatu I
headed to Diani restaurant to meet up with Simon (staff) and Samuel (volunteer)
for some nice local food. The only problem was that when we got to the
restaurant it was closed, most likely because it was still Ramadan and Muslim
owned. Therefore Simon took us to another place called <st1:place w:st="on">Paradise</st1:place>
restaurant (the names are great), which was an interesting experience. The food
was great, I had Ugali (maize meal) with Sukuma Wiki (Kale) and Kachumbari
(salad of tomatoes, onion, coriander and chillies), but we should have had a
table for five due to the amount of flies; as a friend said T.I.A. (This Is
Africa). The T.V. was also on and it was a man preaching with the sound loud
and fuzzy, for some reason he kept say “Samaki” meaning fish; Simon and Samuel
found it very funny.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzREt5JSVVT2qX22evG5U0My0cjQnLlpm6h4WNwz_6bNlw-kLFLq1eThvOX9Lcekitw2dQhyphenhyphenpdwI1YHvXhX2uTtKCXF6qNVYH5LupAc_cNRk-Tjzv9YSrnHH_qtz_lw7ejpfDoSGhHjYj4/s1600/IMG_5037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzREt5JSVVT2qX22evG5U0My0cjQnLlpm6h4WNwz_6bNlw-kLFLq1eThvOX9Lcekitw2dQhyphenhyphenpdwI1YHvXhX2uTtKCXF6qNVYH5LupAc_cNRk-Tjzv9YSrnHH_qtz_lw7ejpfDoSGhHjYj4/s1600/IMG_5037.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
After lunch Simon took us on a guided tour around Ukunda to
show us what it was really like. What you see along the main road is only the
beginning, once you start to go down the narrow side streets the real Ukunda
appears. Small wooden shack next to small wooden shack built out of and held
together with whatever materials can be found. Barbers, shoes, clothes, food,
pots and pans, you name it Ukunda has it. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It was Sunday afternoon so most people were not working and
were free to shop, meet friends, grab some lunch so Ukunda was bustling. As I walked
around I noticed a pirate DVD stand where they had a Mr Bean compilation, two
friends sharing a conversation under a Mango tree and guys selling nuts under
colourful umbrellas. We finally reached the fruit market, which was the section
I was most looking forward to. There were all sorts of fruit on sale, some I
knew like coconuts, avocados and passion fruit and some I didn’t like “tomako”.
It looks like a small artichoke that is soft and sweet with large black seeds
inside; but at first sight it does not look that appetising. I came away with
more fruit then I had planned, but I was looking forward to eating it all. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The colour of your skin really does dictate how you are
treated in some areas, for instance a lot of people were staring at me and my
camera while I was walking around. They would all say “Karibu Welcome” as I
walked past their shop to get me to buy something as it is assumed I am
wealthy. Also, people come up to me as I am walking around wanting to be my
friend with an ulterior motive; i.e. sell me something or ask me for money. I
am made to feel bad if I don’t give them something and they are good at doing
it. One guy tried to convince me that I needed to buy his padlock and another
wanted donation for his studies (at least that is what he said). Interestingly
they stopped when they saw another “Muzungo” (white person) then they began the
cycle again. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I then made my way back to where the Matatu’s align for my
journey home to feast on my bounty, but not before one last attempt to extract
money from me. A guy showed us a picture of a dead relative while we were
sitting in a Matatu waiting to go saying he was colleting money for the
funeral. Samuel told us it did not have the official stamp from the police
chief; and so was most likely a scam.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All in all it was a good experience of what life in a
coastal town of <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place>
is really like. </div>
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You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> on:</div>
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Flickr here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
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Or Facebook here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-61891420415209060432014-07-25T09:45:00.000+01:002014-07-25T09:45:02.770+01:00Football, Beards & Gorillas – 5 months in Kenya<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I have packed so much into my time here in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> and this month was no
different; if I was to give it a name it would be the month of my beard (it
grew to new lengths).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kwuD62JiDWWe-4ivWJf0qAdpioVpB6LBGSTYm0L-cGGKe_3mDGmojmzHN12ODXLzXLsxsUdwWkVEX7qGiV3n33SV0-LkmZ8m7Nh1cfIIP2H8TPJKn_QD_MnlFae3em2rTXSQ84HEDm4z/s1600/Luke+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kwuD62JiDWWe-4ivWJf0qAdpioVpB6LBGSTYm0L-cGGKe_3mDGmojmzHN12ODXLzXLsxsUdwWkVEX7qGiV3n33SV0-LkmZ8m7Nh1cfIIP2H8TPJKn_QD_MnlFae3em2rTXSQ84HEDm4z/s1600/Luke+(9).JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following a group of colobus monkeys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I finally learnt how to play backgammon and there is
something very relaxing about disconnecting from computer screens. I also
witnessed a very large Sykes vs Vervets standoff with the colobus watching from
the trees above; never seen so many monkeys in such a small space. Had a
sundowner (drinks watching the sunset) at <st1:place w:st="on">Congo River</st1:place>
and was tested on my driving skills of the Colobus Conservation truck.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4TNWplMneVepK_Jo8S3b53dVguHl3FVweWEueB2hPrlKyxJEWsBgsOzvwhvKAMdUHFphWdfv2en7GkJDiiBZ7p2V_tBlivnXpJqC0T6M0478Lz4WrZP9QZ62LoBJB93NilUp61G8SIIN/s1600/IMG_6113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4TNWplMneVepK_Jo8S3b53dVguHl3FVweWEueB2hPrlKyxJEWsBgsOzvwhvKAMdUHFphWdfv2en7GkJDiiBZ7p2V_tBlivnXpJqC0T6M0478Lz4WrZP9QZ62LoBJB93NilUp61G8SIIN/s1600/IMG_6113.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of a much larger monkey standoff</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3hrtQ7vtl0Rfq_1Ku_ZO3SnboSX9F9PHbcU7HLU9wMwMspPTcH2VKWHC4gwEG3_w7Pw-Mo4bLyixa2HPJJAnwziHJwdLjl4jZs10nCxYnVKAnsMMbZrUf4Pp3vv2fkYfEYgdJ0eIYsRQ/s1600/DSC_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3hrtQ7vtl0Rfq_1Ku_ZO3SnboSX9F9PHbcU7HLU9wMwMspPTcH2VKWHC4gwEG3_w7Pw-Mo4bLyixa2HPJJAnwziHJwdLjl4jZs10nCxYnVKAnsMMbZrUf4Pp3vv2fkYfEYgdJ0eIYsRQ/s1600/DSC_2805.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the sun go down at Congo River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiRO6MKD5scnPhXBXTkJw_St1AcZcQTgylPjx8v1GlU2POzSn69fmWKmDub1qeESLeEhLBTcNLQS7PxdVN5q5IaB9LPLiIGRZsVXk7RzveWPCqwl4ZjqscCYHCPSIKRggvZQLcyAFJPuw/s1600/Insulation+Piping+-+Copy+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiRO6MKD5scnPhXBXTkJw_St1AcZcQTgylPjx8v1GlU2POzSn69fmWKmDub1qeESLeEhLBTcNLQS7PxdVN5q5IaB9LPLiIGRZsVXk7RzveWPCqwl4ZjqscCYHCPSIKRggvZQLcyAFJPuw/s1600/Insulation+Piping+-+Copy+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading material to insulate the power lines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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However, the highlight of this month without doubt was living
out a boyhood dream of seeing the mountain gorillas in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Bwindi</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
It lived up to everything I imagined it would be; and more. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region> is a
beautiful country, with amazing wildlife, people and landscapes and I urge you
to visit. You can read about my experience in more detail her <a href="http://www.lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/meeting-mountain-gorillas-part-1.html">Part 1</a> and here
<a href="http://www.lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/meeting-mountain-gorillas-part-2.html">Part 2</a>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOiytMLjrPNeptKbysDLF2KnHlUGYyNmTBO8JjI-0KUYBOfN6ed6tj9VINJixK2rkuabLaIPCNsG1fumEINzGGkooYEJRiNU9xadI6ha62f4Qx6FLtgl27AC1JRCQ1a5CiQTcdwS6PvL7/s1600/IMG_3786+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOiytMLjrPNeptKbysDLF2KnHlUGYyNmTBO8JjI-0KUYBOfN6ed6tj9VINJixK2rkuabLaIPCNsG1fumEINzGGkooYEJRiNU9xadI6ha62f4Qx6FLtgl27AC1JRCQ1a5CiQTcdwS6PvL7/s1600/IMG_3786+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over Lake Victoria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9dwlnayj9Y4QSpxmACxGKJh8mGbOdAYaFHCMnDxgxn3kqRdq-zLYwhUL-s5qT5zKQH88x94mZkMy58MkayFIgukAQ42xbMD0248KwPQmgPuJCujwL8zcu_BIzgVHnHibaGcY6rtYsriW/s1600/IMG_4142+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9dwlnayj9Y4QSpxmACxGKJh8mGbOdAYaFHCMnDxgxn3kqRdq-zLYwhUL-s5qT5zKQH88x94mZkMy58MkayFIgukAQ42xbMD0248KwPQmgPuJCujwL8zcu_BIzgVHnHibaGcY6rtYsriW/s1600/IMG_4142+%25281%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13 month old gorilla baby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3L9QCAaqiNUBVzBkZ72WZ4M3yglHqb0qO8i4rjXqA2GnW2XED9h7tzngW-trH4fZXav7uWpjzikzAX_ZrJ7kgwoDgWP1e7zWdNbQEMmw6Yso8_AiOlu79kaZ-1X3eti2sfcD9jz70qs4/s1600/IMG_4355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3L9QCAaqiNUBVzBkZ72WZ4M3yglHqb0qO8i4rjXqA2GnW2XED9h7tzngW-trH4fZXav7uWpjzikzAX_ZrJ7kgwoDgWP1e7zWdNbQEMmw6Yso8_AiOlu79kaZ-1X3eti2sfcD9jz70qs4/s1600/IMG_4355.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silverback of the Bitukura gorilla group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Not long after returning it was the 2014 Brazil World Cup
Final, and I watched it with a number of different nationalities including
Germans. As a neutral I was hoping for exciting penalties and then <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region> had to go a ruin everything by scoring
in the very last minute of extra time; I was routing for <st1:country-region w:st="on">Argentina</st1:country-region>. I
wrote an article on vegan food in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> for <a href="http://www.freshvegan.eu/">Fresh Vegan magazine</a> (out
in August), a lot of the local dishes are already vegan or easy to convert. As
the managers were away I got the chance to be on call, which meant having the
colobus hotline and driving responsibilities. Of course these two days I was on
call were not quiet. We had an injured Sykes monkey we couldn't catch, even
after crawling through a very dense forest area. Then the next day we had a
Sykes hit by a car and a young colobus monkey with an old infected wound to its
back; currently both being treated at our center. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHKYGnzKK-nCnEFXmHVNjO5edxK3begLZA3T1AHLR_Ruh66TLjLAVGZZCfViQ5-I7IRB2Wi2eRrG7rZgNZwsP8J8ftluRcBUzmHGa0ITBHcY3DtmRMMxFwgYVZv26IXV63cTBtlk7NhH1/s1600/Omari+with+his+food,+Mahagwe,+Chapatiis,+Sukuma+Wiki+&+Ugali+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHKYGnzKK-nCnEFXmHVNjO5edxK3begLZA3T1AHLR_Ruh66TLjLAVGZZCfViQ5-I7IRB2Wi2eRrG7rZgNZwsP8J8ftluRcBUzmHGa0ITBHcY3DtmRMMxFwgYVZv26IXV63cTBtlk7NhH1/s1600/Omari+with+his+food,+Mahagwe,+Chapatiis,+Sukuma+Wiki+&+Ugali+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Omari showing me how to make a few dishes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyczEUcBVxMSYoKxzgKaiktchMI_7KOMrRop8SPjBMfW2jBaK6pQYH4pVRl0-8rivvw5awGkOVc8eN9XGSr4qevAHniiAHVrdY8o_a4mEJCVnSQcpGNenDqGkF7Ms70HImuvIw-Fqac7e/s1600/IMG_4915+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyczEUcBVxMSYoKxzgKaiktchMI_7KOMrRop8SPjBMfW2jBaK6pQYH4pVRl0-8rivvw5awGkOVc8eN9XGSr4qevAHniiAHVrdY8o_a4mEJCVnSQcpGNenDqGkF7Ms70HImuvIw-Fqac7e/s1600/IMG_4915+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young colobus that was rescued, I want to name him Zeus because of his side white hair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sometimes we require the use of a blow dart to safely catch
monkeys that are injured and need treatment. We had a little competition to
hone our skills and it is fair to say that I did not win, in fact if there is
an injured monkey it would be best if someone else took the shot; don’t breath
in when you have the blow dart tube in your mouth. Unfortunately, the attitudes
towards the monkeys by the locals are sometimes not that great. For example, a
Sykes monkey stole some sugar and the man told me that he will kill a few of
them potentially through poisoning. I took this as an opportunity to improve
things and bought him more sugar and tried to explain that they are opportunistic
and that you must lock food away; also about the importance of monkeys in
protecting the forest, let’s just hope that worked.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTnoDoB6hpjGVz44r0JbN6rrVt5MuhoKzhwTlV6ae5YeaNp2TP4-CBvX7gNvHjp5wxztzuU-e_qrDaHyZBVt6JJJupOj8YOLU3ZK9DBAlkXZ62M1V1QUHhFggbQgO_4CD-yLysYanTVxJ/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTnoDoB6hpjGVz44r0JbN6rrVt5MuhoKzhwTlV6ae5YeaNp2TP4-CBvX7gNvHjp5wxztzuU-e_qrDaHyZBVt6JJJupOj8YOLU3ZK9DBAlkXZ62M1V1QUHhFggbQgO_4CD-yLysYanTVxJ/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" height="640" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blow dart practice, don't breath in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So as you can see it was another busy and exciting month
here in <st1:place w:st="on">Africa</st1:place> living with monkeys. I cannot
believe I now only have one month left, the time has gone so fast and I have a
lot of fantastic memories.</div>
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Here are some photos from the month that I wanted to share,
enjoy!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb6Z1SuR4v3dHZRE_Jney-5gHQiFg2rhlnJDfhAtNDSYAGq3rxbg5Zav72J_QSzu6IRRLpG_CUlf8cHYED8ST3EqMST4yDlMXOZpgr-E-4QzzZsBcb1SEYZ2e7yjuDYUpcdLIL7z3FclT/s1600/Baboon+chasing+insects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb6Z1SuR4v3dHZRE_Jney-5gHQiFg2rhlnJDfhAtNDSYAGq3rxbg5Zav72J_QSzu6IRRLpG_CUlf8cHYED8ST3EqMST4yDlMXOZpgr-E-4QzzZsBcb1SEYZ2e7yjuDYUpcdLIL7z3FclT/s1600/Baboon+chasing+insects.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baboon chasing insects in the sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaC1Rtiu_8K6W7dwAqfv8e-fgMJ1DbkdnkzptRWpujZOG8ccHuR7dUhTLA_lFsKiLsSoL5RLg9AwBqaIgSJoKB42xbR7-BKDMBaHnZl_BUlCoAS_zrWjIV9rYY47Q63wscCV02ucrJKkI/s1600/Baboon+mother+and+son.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaC1Rtiu_8K6W7dwAqfv8e-fgMJ1DbkdnkzptRWpujZOG8ccHuR7dUhTLA_lFsKiLsSoL5RLg9AwBqaIgSJoKB42xbR7-BKDMBaHnZl_BUlCoAS_zrWjIV9rYY47Q63wscCV02ucrJKkI/s1600/Baboon+mother+and+son.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum grooming her child</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliBpMjD0KM8LD4LBCWbJwmwGpvp8tuK0nHcZ3NP0DjxOz5NbeyCp7Gp4UaZltvT9zvbb8TUpL9l7c7HM8NjCUczi-SmdorCV0FtYToG-Ziaow2IQSfPFKrRaYwV_hgKQYvN0mwbq3m0wC/s1600/Yawning+Vervet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliBpMjD0KM8LD4LBCWbJwmwGpvp8tuK0nHcZ3NP0DjxOz5NbeyCp7Gp4UaZltvT9zvbb8TUpL9l7c7HM8NjCUczi-SmdorCV0FtYToG-Ziaow2IQSfPFKrRaYwV_hgKQYvN0mwbq3m0wC/s1600/Yawning+Vervet.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yawning Vervet, they may be small but those teeth!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2_X5SbFsVhU41CM0Vbkrlu4jgUnxJWnxnzpQWZN9cRHLjzjvgI3blsGw5mIG3J81W3l8zp37OdE_9FmYUs-Px2TUH_zBiAoUM5wM3ysav2_r5x7gVRNWlfa8dbgN8Wk3NrXz2A9bbu4b/s1600/Young+Vervet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2_X5SbFsVhU41CM0Vbkrlu4jgUnxJWnxnzpQWZN9cRHLjzjvgI3blsGw5mIG3J81W3l8zp37OdE_9FmYUs-Px2TUH_zBiAoUM5wM3ysav2_r5x7gVRNWlfa8dbgN8Wk3NrXz2A9bbu4b/s1600/Young+Vervet.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young Vervet quickly stuffed his cheek pouches before an adult came along</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqnX9NnDzEstAPkb9zMKoGbGrRyXhv5xKwUIizZE0bmxJqPHmzzt84ClfBnV1w7kV2m2rg9Au-GZNqdlpre0Sn-03MNSHNpVqM4V7iefm-lMWmkogZKMlCT6GFQG7h8HhxheSbJicxL4n/s1600/IMG_4682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqnX9NnDzEstAPkb9zMKoGbGrRyXhv5xKwUIizZE0bmxJqPHmzzt84ClfBnV1w7kV2m2rg9Au-GZNqdlpre0Sn-03MNSHNpVqM4V7iefm-lMWmkogZKMlCT6GFQG7h8HhxheSbJicxL4n/s1600/IMG_4682.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Elwood of colobus group 1 is getting so big</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> on my Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
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Or on my facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
<br />
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"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links
posted."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0Kenya-0.023559 37.90619300000003-16.0693 17.251896000000031 16.022182 58.56049000000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-64695842444198964972014-07-23T10:07:00.001+01:002014-07-23T10:07:57.143+01:00Meeting the Mountain Gorillas, Part 2: Standing next to a Silverback<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Today, greeted with a fantastic sky FULL of stars, soon to
be replaced with the sun trying to push its way through the thick mist; my
dream was going to become reality. I kept saying to myself this is what Dian
Fossey would have experienced every morning. At 8am we arrived at the briefing
hut to meet Stephen (our head ranger) who would eventually be leading us to the
<a href="http://www.bwindiforestnationalpark.com/bitukura-gorilla-group.html">Bitukura gorilla group</a>. This group is made up of 13 individuals including four silverbacks, adult females, juveniles and a 13 month old baby. Did you know
that when a male reaches 14 years old he will start to develop a silverback, it
is not just the dominant male that has it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZiQsztGWQCCPrhnchPFk-LtIqHUx2xScelk9ClpdsNc8DeLTjX8vudvLqG-NBiNWOciCI-tKNva6Ar8cCrv5z5nmmgSNGa9QwXtxKAx_IoeD90s_If2qdMsL732F84PwRJDJLYHB-fd8/s1600/IMG_4605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZiQsztGWQCCPrhnchPFk-LtIqHUx2xScelk9ClpdsNc8DeLTjX8vudvLqG-NBiNWOciCI-tKNva6Ar8cCrv5z5nmmgSNGa9QwXtxKAx_IoeD90s_If2qdMsL732F84PwRJDJLYHB-fd8/s1600/IMG_4605.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise in Bwindi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM1SSlE_03fAfKo-un-4GeEl5qzXVjeWbkt4D1lVQLrfidQzOL3i3DL4k01kWdWn4BAj6o5hyphenhyphen-K4dUr3lH-n_YAzFvojUBU78ffWK2np4pdpqNr8KjXSpvLBPCxg-ezQkErMa43HaNHBU/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM1SSlE_03fAfKo-un-4GeEl5qzXVjeWbkt4D1lVQLrfidQzOL3i3DL4k01kWdWn4BAj6o5hyphenhyphen-K4dUr3lH-n_YAzFvojUBU78ffWK2np4pdpqNr8KjXSpvLBPCxg-ezQkErMa43HaNHBU/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head ranger Stephen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We were then told the rules such as no
eating/drinking/smoking within 200m of the gorillas, the young get curious and
may come close but don’t try to touch them, the silverback is always watching, to
make sure we stay 7 metres away and my personal favourite was if we are charged
to stay still and crouch down (better said then done I think). </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Evwd1bakjS9kN_3PXYADgfZxJ-R_F3vr2IPbFd1ant0O5an0kVTcNEtPwEVx__JNPyFwD_UfWZE273uopBZ8VKP2sQ5u95ZmIHyq9BizzNHBdYpRVbFk9Hdjc-Sf83QnRyax2JnlEB-V/s1600/IMG_4052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Evwd1bakjS9kN_3PXYADgfZxJ-R_F3vr2IPbFd1ant0O5an0kVTcNEtPwEVx__JNPyFwD_UfWZE273uopBZ8VKP2sQ5u95ZmIHyq9BizzNHBdYpRVbFk9Hdjc-Sf83QnRyax2JnlEB-V/s1600/IMG_4052.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A demonstration of the 7 metre distance rule</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After the briefing we had a few moments to read more about
where we were and the gorillas in general. It was fantastic to see they had
scratched over the original total number of 700 and replaced it with 880. The
mountain gorillas are the only species of great ape that are increasing in
number; Chimpanzees, Bonobos, Orangutans and the other species of Gorilla are
all declining. Then Stephen uttered the words I had been waiting 20 years for
someone to say, “Let’s go and see the gorillas”. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaNxGTzjwmfqov1-uKjIoNupzo_bD0BP6GEW71KrftHl9iqKGCIwk4XuXmQ8bPfWlKwR5XkWw-7EV70b95NnJOgVQIKREGkdMbE7g1Dnf_1c10HumuErMpKBC3mzR5zP7BrnHYjWtYKQF/s1600/IMG_4055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaNxGTzjwmfqov1-uKjIoNupzo_bD0BP6GEW71KrftHl9iqKGCIwk4XuXmQ8bPfWlKwR5XkWw-7EV70b95NnJOgVQIKREGkdMbE7g1Dnf_1c10HumuErMpKBC3mzR5zP7BrnHYjWtYKQF/s1600/IMG_4055.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just in case we didn't see the real gorillas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After a quick drive we arrived at the path into the forest,
but we had to wait, Stephen was in radio contact with the rangers who would
tell us when to leave so the gorillas would be in a good position and we were
not walking for hours. The call came in and we were off! We started going
downhill and very soon there were tall, thick ferns around us, visions of seeing
Dian Fossey, Ian Redmond and David Attenborough in such a surrounding suddenly
popped into my mind and I was overcome with excitement. Except for the odd bird
call and the rangers using their radios it was eerily quiet as we walked. After
about 10 minutes the thick ferns had turned into tall trees and we were going
down a steeper hill. They had used the forest elephant’s paths to
construct the ways through; I can see why it is called the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Impenetrable</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
Every now and again one of the rangers would make a whooping call and wait to
hear a response to know which direction to travel in. After walking for 1 hour
and navigating a very steep hill we come across two new rangers, and then I
realised that we must be nearby the gorillas. All of a sudden I hear some
branches break and leaves rustle and a baby gorilla climbs up a small tree
almost like saying “Hi there”.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1XaHVQ3LzqyE6Dl9DuYePybo6Fw7B-wS8hRSJvBe-ZUj7sy2Qlfo0VZa0yt8DVpcJzz3bEpk0MGluYcsnPyYySU-lDUS1X8mrhNFD-kJbqAoSMMqXcuCZm-ROz6Z4FnSkVbHUSTgxtHq/s1600/IMG_4059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1XaHVQ3LzqyE6Dl9DuYePybo6Fw7B-wS8hRSJvBe-ZUj7sy2Qlfo0VZa0yt8DVpcJzz3bEpk0MGluYcsnPyYySU-lDUS1X8mrhNFD-kJbqAoSMMqXcuCZm-ROz6Z4FnSkVbHUSTgxtHq/s1600/IMG_4059.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, here we go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazfxUCI3kD3OcWI2wLmPlm757oZ2vQXvVQuvbWFvgTuCWJmuBJ8tTaqxk35nYZwuOQSfuPDlKJoPfstzgIzZxFhI0W5u3A4WJBQ_z1kyYt8yvBOMpJujnoUj7o8SuDzZi9b1FetFJLhsp/s1600/IMG_4060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazfxUCI3kD3OcWI2wLmPlm757oZ2vQXvVQuvbWFvgTuCWJmuBJ8tTaqxk35nYZwuOQSfuPDlKJoPfstzgIzZxFhI0W5u3A4WJBQ_z1kyYt8yvBOMpJujnoUj7o8SuDzZi9b1FetFJLhsp/s1600/IMG_4060.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rangers with the gorillas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9dwlnayj9Y4QSpxmACxGKJh8mGbOdAYaFHCMnDxgxn3kqRdq-zLYwhUL-s5qT5zKQH88x94mZkMy58MkayFIgukAQ42xbMD0248KwPQmgPuJCujwL8zcu_BIzgVHnHibaGcY6rtYsriW/s1600/IMG_4142+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9dwlnayj9Y4QSpxmACxGKJh8mGbOdAYaFHCMnDxgxn3kqRdq-zLYwhUL-s5qT5zKQH88x94mZkMy58MkayFIgukAQ42xbMD0248KwPQmgPuJCujwL8zcu_BIzgVHnHibaGcY6rtYsriW/s1600/IMG_4142+%25281%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful baby gorilla that greeted us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgct-L8Yl5ITKffYuWBARTj6z8KS_rRMhEiumJdewUhULIeR-H5HjoUDYgoJ5rsLfaAHj95WcQul4pwGqyo2JqcdMAE2sPXMoKli2ySE9Hny8zPrikmqfqjD4T66HEKtjoww6Rya2yYgzsE/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgct-L8Yl5ITKffYuWBARTj6z8KS_rRMhEiumJdewUhULIeR-H5HjoUDYgoJ5rsLfaAHj95WcQul4pwGqyo2JqcdMAE2sPXMoKli2ySE9Hny8zPrikmqfqjD4T66HEKtjoww6Rya2yYgzsE/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love this guy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lUHtYIu6ONyMb7UsThgSzKwek9GIFPj7yUoefWID2aAZGRUQ4pgI6nLZNXtHwAtrrPuCCV4pWI2eIHJYKaQ9liGeXFDiGsRjyS-v8WDXa1M_ALXOmEs8YuCsUNY75fHYlYwVeESZxZZh/s1600/IMG_4147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lUHtYIu6ONyMb7UsThgSzKwek9GIFPj7yUoefWID2aAZGRUQ4pgI6nLZNXtHwAtrrPuCCV4pWI2eIHJYKaQ9liGeXFDiGsRjyS-v8WDXa1M_ALXOmEs8YuCsUNY75fHYlYwVeESZxZZh/s1600/IMG_4147.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This baby knows how to enjoy life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At first I could not quite believe I was actually starring
at a baby gorilla, it was so cute and fluffy and didn't seem to have a care in
the world. I grabbed my camera, dropped my bag and started snapping. As we got
closer the rangers cut away the foliage nearby so we could have a clearer view
in; there was the mother. If you thought gorillas were big it is nothing like
when you are here standing next to them. As we got closer to the mother she
welcomed us with a very loud fart that didn't seem to bother her; all that
lovely plant fiber she is eating. I then heard a rustle and crack to my
immediate left….. GRUNT…… it was an adult male silverback and he was massive. I
was currently standing 2 metres away from this guy, his head was 4 times bigger
than mine and his fingers were so thick and big. I felt so vulnerable and helpless
if he decided to charge; luckily I had been told to stay still and crouch if
that did happen. We followed their movements through the forest for the next 15
minutes, and then we saw some juveniles climbing bigger trees and another
silverback. I had gorillas all around me and it just felt surreal; I would love
to do this full time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZmLbuSr5SdDRQz-UEpDNbN6ZN7D5_XMqBdKMcAiNu5deCRgM46IwsRyIbhFnNC-wn3Ww7A7axkFsq6gnCJYC0qOn74-8ygdW9tFGGDOQtesxRA9Z2M9txCyzhj1h0dVdoDmIkN3cjieg/s1600/IMG_4227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZmLbuSr5SdDRQz-UEpDNbN6ZN7D5_XMqBdKMcAiNu5deCRgM46IwsRyIbhFnNC-wn3Ww7A7axkFsq6gnCJYC0qOn74-8ygdW9tFGGDOQtesxRA9Z2M9txCyzhj1h0dVdoDmIkN3cjieg/s1600/IMG_4227.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mother watches her baby while we are close</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKtvVguy4SFvSJkKWTJTqyXbp2DVMBNfM4NVLlgzptYOI9zvXU2Ys3hcRLoF3BUO9OZCDaPP2GzLegVAgpoXt75QJkW0RQZXmckM86Xiteq69bUDv6EPCz3DslAA52r0YrR7OGdLVuC15/s1600/IMG_4300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKtvVguy4SFvSJkKWTJTqyXbp2DVMBNfM4NVLlgzptYOI9zvXU2Ys3hcRLoF3BUO9OZCDaPP2GzLegVAgpoXt75QJkW0RQZXmckM86Xiteq69bUDv6EPCz3DslAA52r0YrR7OGdLVuC15/s1600/IMG_4300.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A juvenile climbs a tree for a nap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uCBQKaHVqHiO_ACPnq0TX2wIpF5uT_VHp7uXSfik974rE-NK2jUtbBWHeRhg-2zfQWpUwUKe-42HB9rXNVpn2qXobewCUg4UHeOnBUy0NX3IWafzYk_0aWzTnRBcYNlfj9mDrFOuB3Tt/s1600/IMG_4337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uCBQKaHVqHiO_ACPnq0TX2wIpF5uT_VHp7uXSfik974rE-NK2jUtbBWHeRhg-2zfQWpUwUKe-42HB9rXNVpn2qXobewCUg4UHeOnBUy0NX3IWafzYk_0aWzTnRBcYNlfj9mDrFOuB3Tt/s1600/IMG_4337.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The silverback reveals himself, and he is big</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I was getting worried that I wouldn't get any good pictures
and then (as if they heard me) we suddenly found ourselves out of the dark,
dense forest and in a small clearing. There in front of me was a youngster
playing on a fallen tree, to the side the silverback was sitting and a female
foraging and eating; it was perfect. Watching them go about their daily
business was so interesting and there was something so familiar with the way
they used their hands and facial expressions. The frequent grunts from the silverback kept reminding me not only that he was he there, but how
insignificant I was in size and power. The rangers would often do grunts of
their own, mimicking the gorillas sound to reassure them where we were. Also,
these grunts are done from the beginning of the habituation process and act as
a signal for saying it is me and you like me; we come in peace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lbd1ZGPn1DMIF7QISn6OF5SVVj4z2BOug3I-yvRxKGbdGEbL_gtMT2Pw0Y_UCOutjtnh-VxT2K_wK0i4U20vVcEUoR9pdclFroEBiuHs-kARlyHrtOqmAZMg2UKsP5t9ZR4HG2zzNjn6/s1600/IMG_4385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lbd1ZGPn1DMIF7QISn6OF5SVVj4z2BOug3I-yvRxKGbdGEbL_gtMT2Pw0Y_UCOutjtnh-VxT2K_wK0i4U20vVcEUoR9pdclFroEBiuHs-kARlyHrtOqmAZMg2UKsP5t9ZR4HG2zzNjn6/s1600/IMG_4385.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile playing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjSQudu8GOiJmaAjg0ra1kbArHka9QlcpVC0Zhx-coDrQsZUFgneUQJTtAnJ-ujSy6601c8PCAHRXoWhTfdNsvtKKD_Wv1e6UlSDPgGCqIkGQe5YJq3lgRE0FujkosIOam_O_xmrl7Z7l/s1600/IMG_4380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjSQudu8GOiJmaAjg0ra1kbArHka9QlcpVC0Zhx-coDrQsZUFgneUQJTtAnJ-ujSy6601c8PCAHRXoWhTfdNsvtKKD_Wv1e6UlSDPgGCqIkGQe5YJq3lgRE0FujkosIOam_O_xmrl7Z7l/s1600/IMG_4380.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AQyUpIOyYDBwHC3eYvvn6C5jjNb06jmU2pifKm28SqDvbPce0ZUu2WDJDDcYN15CBGRMOo2X8pJYo5isoRCrQZcE6qUzPICjpbA-FBm0IZbQtz1wLea4c90loOo7STxMEmqkw5wUOD-v/s1600/IMG_4369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AQyUpIOyYDBwHC3eYvvn6C5jjNb06jmU2pifKm28SqDvbPce0ZUu2WDJDDcYN15CBGRMOo2X8pJYo5isoRCrQZcE6qUzPICjpbA-FBm0IZbQtz1wLea4c90loOo7STxMEmqkw5wUOD-v/s1600/IMG_4369.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4tgt7NAZlMS5DhASCPPd3DTLTUmWSqY14Cb6_Lsl_aYv2mPZGoiF7hnkPVF6pQvEznusMqLK4Mot0vzT45j-s8rrv8F6jbtmhDP3e0N6WypQsxX91AmA3EppVdshyphenhyphen1OSSCW_GmH1UfaM/s1600/IMG_4355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4tgt7NAZlMS5DhASCPPd3DTLTUmWSqY14Cb6_Lsl_aYv2mPZGoiF7hnkPVF6pQvEznusMqLK4Mot0vzT45j-s8rrv8F6jbtmhDP3e0N6WypQsxX91AmA3EppVdshyphenhyphen1OSSCW_GmH1UfaM/s1600/IMG_4355.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyFT_QZk-vYCO0eItPjQPEOKhRvwnj0uaj0D3wKj97hpq3sHx32_04VKLuAj2SlVK17pI7MCdj9DVTP32g72QjTeYhyphenhyphenZFGKFkIvhcB_3J-Po2w5rYj2N3u2-CHWaZIT8-TbSlt_3tkffg/s1600/IMG_4361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyFT_QZk-vYCO0eItPjQPEOKhRvwnj0uaj0D3wKj97hpq3sHx32_04VKLuAj2SlVK17pI7MCdj9DVTP32g72QjTeYhyphenhyphenZFGKFkIvhcB_3J-Po2w5rYj2N3u2-CHWaZIT8-TbSlt_3tkffg/s1600/IMG_4361.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheePfSs_3qtXGM1oM0lLNNcsZplPDjIhGytLCB70Y3hKpfWglpoCwbplEdjcRxrc9jFd7ItALW_IM-Zo9uyQxptCe_V6sCScGVhyphenhyphenznwx-T5-FF53j-GJj-DItdRKiBOpiOR5oTUIN4Cbn9/s1600/IMG_4395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheePfSs_3qtXGM1oM0lLNNcsZplPDjIhGytLCB70Y3hKpfWglpoCwbplEdjcRxrc9jFd7ItALW_IM-Zo9uyQxptCe_V6sCScGVhyphenhyphenznwx-T5-FF53j-GJj-DItdRKiBOpiOR5oTUIN4Cbn9/s1600/IMG_4395.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof I was really there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I knew it I heard the words I was dreading “time is
up guys”, that was the fastest hour of my life. As we started heading back (all
up hill) we went past the alpha silverback who was lying down on his stomach,
resting with his eyes shut. This proves how effective and successful this
habituation and ecotourism project is; they are very comfortable with us
around. Off we went, back to reality after having the most amazing experience
of my life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7beTgqtAu31gaRtHY1xxTYWPd1DjFPcwTsz04fAnbsv4TcmHTkOF1VkRgK2bw9nOEDWiUhQt54j8K6fMl81tmT9iz7d3Ksh18UYkyqj0LB00L5EAkv1QFSpz7k-GsMWEhCaAV-KWf2yMq/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7beTgqtAu31gaRtHY1xxTYWPd1DjFPcwTsz04fAnbsv4TcmHTkOF1VkRgK2bw9nOEDWiUhQt54j8K6fMl81tmT9iz7d3Ksh18UYkyqj0LB00L5EAkv1QFSpz7k-GsMWEhCaAV-KWf2yMq/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very happy after that experience</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmzsh99HeDu3JuYz0Zb7p3zGq4PW-MIfcRDIYoASa7q_MHPSgs5qtGB37L5w5Kx7xB_r4iHkq7dvJ6ZGet32Kf1JDdKInnmjK27V_Sz0lz9pPNf2Bn_cZDMBPvmBlfg9auDDhUgONDMC3/s1600/IMG_4408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmzsh99HeDu3JuYz0Zb7p3zGq4PW-MIfcRDIYoASa7q_MHPSgs5qtGB37L5w5Kx7xB_r4iHkq7dvJ6ZGet32Kf1JDdKInnmjK27V_Sz0lz9pPNf2Bn_cZDMBPvmBlfg9auDDhUgONDMC3/s1600/IMG_4408.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silverback lying down for a nap, whilst we are all around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The rangers planned the trek so well we were back at the
briefing station by 12pm with the whole afternoon to see what else Bwindi had
to offer. I visited the local village and went on a nature walk with a staff
member from the lodge. The scenery was so fascinating and it was deafly quiet,
pleasant, with only the occasional farmer working, child playing or bird
tweeting to break the silence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT_6dR03-bdO_8GRh_ReJ_mt_20El46NBbmlpp3OFriymbFR8wyLAL0Hy5W8SZOKFQyrUUvMCI2VGobYFxtr23QHhBQGZGn9aTopOQE92nWmIr9oBtr9S6H3d9xrvkal1e6T-NyakMnC3/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT_6dR03-bdO_8GRh_ReJ_mt_20El46NBbmlpp3OFriymbFR8wyLAL0Hy5W8SZOKFQyrUUvMCI2VGobYFxtr23QHhBQGZGn9aTopOQE92nWmIr9oBtr9S6H3d9xrvkal1e6T-NyakMnC3/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group shot with the rangers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9MNj5V3qZzDOsHzRNUDXs37Feb2NbFKFkiYjQzV73PEE4T2O0Zyy9CkGRYnrQ4bCmkNgF3nOiaFfasGTmyEhXh9CbyiOh7E5VSsNcwFWM8BfSC-YbyejDChG5OmNRGiro58MBlKHb4tA/s1600/IMG_4421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9MNj5V3qZzDOsHzRNUDXs37Feb2NbFKFkiYjQzV73PEE4T2O0Zyy9CkGRYnrQ4bCmkNgF3nOiaFfasGTmyEhXh9CbyiOh7E5VSsNcwFWM8BfSC-YbyejDChG5OmNRGiro58MBlKHb4tA/s1600/IMG_4421.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen presenting me with my gorilla certificate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO8Dll3-KHv0sJ0opn8vQbazFNf3xq7OanrxqKuOqytrrK8tCh7XGfu9cp1RvkawX8xVWD30bwfrym1WOyma8HSibJRiJOB6x6LBpH2BIuOMJqBhHwkYDZDoRHuD6mJXbG02txO0ZyGcx/s1600/IMG_4451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO8Dll3-KHv0sJ0opn8vQbazFNf3xq7OanrxqKuOqytrrK8tCh7XGfu9cp1RvkawX8xVWD30bwfrym1WOyma8HSibJRiJOB6x6LBpH2BIuOMJqBhHwkYDZDoRHuD6mJXbG02txO0ZyGcx/s1600/IMG_4451.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorilla drawing in local village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW1eP1SmCZQkq__9hk9z0NjntlFXfYhfcHp65QnLh4G4dXNQM5gnl6XHzC3Ptiq_dhR6wiRVNTLPN-jYGZS1s6eaOOPg4zjUsSnwAs8WuD9vnQ33cF8cKGYRH_tlJVFemD_ODl3tnktcr/s1600/IMG_4458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW1eP1SmCZQkq__9hk9z0NjntlFXfYhfcHp65QnLh4G4dXNQM5gnl6XHzC3Ptiq_dhR6wiRVNTLPN-jYGZS1s6eaOOPg4zjUsSnwAs8WuD9vnQ33cF8cKGYRH_tlJVFemD_ODl3tnktcr/s1600/IMG_4458.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local village where I purchased some small gorilla carvings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngF56Gvg4bpI0porFWfTymtLGy3HZhA6lVBDRd7BDrPLNZBVtVksQ7k17E7qfqJ8aluNrOHIoJDl7z1mri3zZjLhbXhauQZ_hT1w2lusFHI5_ygY5GlHwH0Jrnv7sy-BEgXvVIhdrEpL-/s1600/IMG_4463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngF56Gvg4bpI0porFWfTymtLGy3HZhA6lVBDRd7BDrPLNZBVtVksQ7k17E7qfqJ8aluNrOHIoJDl7z1mri3zZjLhbXhauQZ_hT1w2lusFHI5_ygY5GlHwH0Jrnv7sy-BEgXvVIhdrEpL-/s1600/IMG_4463.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stunning landscape </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAE0RnWgpJUBloQT8KjsDahygeKzqe49LXPAsEmCyyT0brTnBaHXHGPKJM-Id_JQUsMMwz21MC17gMVKnEx5cw1ZLSv2dKLyj-ijuTeChjfNX9z0hGlP7QJcRl6Ywe8zFQgG1mPL6N931h/s1600/IMG_4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAE0RnWgpJUBloQT8KjsDahygeKzqe49LXPAsEmCyyT0brTnBaHXHGPKJM-Id_JQUsMMwz21MC17gMVKnEx5cw1ZLSv2dKLyj-ijuTeChjfNX9z0hGlP7QJcRl6Ywe8zFQgG1mPL6N931h/s1600/IMG_4473.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine farming crops up that</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdmm_WBPL6ak9D-Z5Habu-5mjpyXXX7fxnF99g8fP8N7AOJ6AFdBLqXGwIandSpuI95_guT_87CC6d44YB7dg7QVxB8GLKPD0D53M7r8x1IrmRV9ZpXB8UESDRWxSfTnJLr9WgmT5jCBY/s1600/IMG_4479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdmm_WBPL6ak9D-Z5Habu-5mjpyXXX7fxnF99g8fP8N7AOJ6AFdBLqXGwIandSpuI95_guT_87CC6d44YB7dg7QVxB8GLKPD0D53M7r8x1IrmRV9ZpXB8UESDRWxSfTnJLr9WgmT5jCBY/s1600/IMG_4479.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woman farming her crops with baby tied to her back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
On returning to the lodge the local kids were getting ready
to sing and dance for us in their matching yellow t-shirts bearing the words <a href="http://gorillachildren.org/en/">“GorillaChildren”</a>. They ranged from 3-13 and gave us the most incredible experience
that would have put most theatre productions in the West End of London to
shame. Within their first song they welcomed us to Bwindi and thanked us for
investing in their community (I learnt 20+% of the permit money goes to
community development and pays for schools/hospitals and salaries of teachers).
Nothing could top the hour I spent with the gorillas but this came close, near
the end they even invited me up to dance with them (how could I refuse); they
put me to shame with their moves though. After saying goodbye to them I was
left to enjoy the evening camp fire reminiscing on the events of the day with
my final night in the mountains. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGEpWTxsXRz9x2A9U6SyGY4mi_roTiEZIZoNWhyphenhyphene13fdEQcLKG4mtzoMk-EUPSdQj_A5OizKe6OXa6sRFxrxajhefOMEJuY2T0fCO7-sNbBiLW0cFkSG3Fj0xuZJ7Zvv1T-b7251tfoVt/s1600/IMG_4546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGEpWTxsXRz9x2A9U6SyGY4mi_roTiEZIZoNWhyphenhyphene13fdEQcLKG4mtzoMk-EUPSdQj_A5OizKe6OXa6sRFxrxajhefOMEJuY2T0fCO7-sNbBiLW0cFkSG3Fj0xuZJ7Zvv1T-b7251tfoVt/s1600/IMG_4546.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNnWoWwLl6At3bSC3MhR4xl_3JKoYJaQeW2pVp0uAgGOsfWyQzKRMK8nKSr1ziWxY6EslpvgJ21j5TEY9OLV031onoAsLkuEmIaYot_1hayORozSS3cc7hZuzVR4CvcgM4M3v06xCUXap/s1600/IMG_4585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNnWoWwLl6At3bSC3MhR4xl_3JKoYJaQeW2pVp0uAgGOsfWyQzKRMK8nKSr1ziWxY6EslpvgJ21j5TEY9OLV031onoAsLkuEmIaYot_1hayORozSS3cc7hZuzVR4CvcgM4M3v06xCUXap/s1600/IMG_4585.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPqfXYQf03352jQ03bO_dwHqf4mF0sIpmDbLGxWIx12qart9n3eZeswRVxvuHsluRjX8LYI9W8bKkQyoVpyJg-t-lWxiAkuY5E_ntaLrg_tigNS9uzshu1VCp4faUAmTigWwnHUMpCBVa/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPqfXYQf03352jQ03bO_dwHqf4mF0sIpmDbLGxWIx12qart9n3eZeswRVxvuHsluRjX8LYI9W8bKkQyoVpyJg-t-lWxiAkuY5E_ntaLrg_tigNS9uzshu1VCp4faUAmTigWwnHUMpCBVa/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing the kids the photos I took</td></tr>
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<st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region>
is a beautiful country with lovely people and amazing wildlife and is well
worth a visit. They have many national parks that I would love to come back to
and see for myself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds-9g6aIDWVCYb1Q9cyiIcZdyLPPPfrfiOXjuKIJ-2nkrzBGKvPIJvGOj3uru0U3ZACxOTA38W242Ng2QYOe9WCeqVZZj38fNx4nelz1y_GL79p9esxQ9SlYZkc7D5IRMqBA_O75W2R2M/s1600/IMG_3942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds-9g6aIDWVCYb1Q9cyiIcZdyLPPPfrfiOXjuKIJ-2nkrzBGKvPIJvGOj3uru0U3ZACxOTA38W242Ng2QYOe9WCeqVZZj38fNx4nelz1y_GL79p9esxQ9SlYZkc7D5IRMqBA_O75W2R2M/s1600/IMG_3942.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I would like to thank Agaba of <a href="http://aa-gorilla.com/">A&A Gorilla Tours Ltd</a> and
especially our guide Paul for the fantastic job they did. Everything about the
trip was well done and you could see they really love what they do and care
about the work. The places we stayed in were lovely and have a particular link
to the local communities; plus the staff were really friendly. Paul was so knowledgeable,
suddenly stopping and pointing out a bird, or describing the landscape so it
made more sense; or even telling us to sniff the air (we were passing through a
region that was famous for growing onions and yes you could smell it in the
air). I personally could not recommend them highly enough and if you are even
contemplating the thought of seeing the gorillas use these guys; do mention my
name if you do.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwtEPHe-7qoekXYv3OjsOfzQ3A7E9eHWb3GQUJOHVhncH4PoxdTM56Yo8coWEbPbqmD-f0qXGVgC-5JmqoaDnnUmFFjH8atD_oTdGrMsrVMfWN6YDOwRP1cGB9FoxstGtw7ZxehG0x3SP/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwtEPHe-7qoekXYv3OjsOfzQ3A7E9eHWb3GQUJOHVhncH4PoxdTM56Yo8coWEbPbqmD-f0qXGVgC-5JmqoaDnnUmFFjH8atD_oTdGrMsrVMfWN6YDOwRP1cGB9FoxstGtw7ZxehG0x3SP/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing with our excellent guide Pau</td></tr>
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You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> on my Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
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Or on my facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
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"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links
posted."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-86430909654491337812014-07-20T10:00:00.000+01:002014-07-20T11:36:06.388+01:00Meeting the mountain Gorillas, Part 1: The journey to Bwindi<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Since I was 7 years old and my mum was a member of <a href="http://gorillafund.org/">Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International</a> I have wanted to visit the mountain gorillas.
I have finally had that chance and I would like to share my experience with
you.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Part 1 – The Journey</span></b><u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
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It all started in <st1:city w:st="on">Mombasa</st1:city>
airport where an immigration lady was asking me some pushing questions about
why I had extended my visa in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>
and what was I doing. I wanted to say “What? You mean you don’t like the fact I
am boosting your country’s economy through tourism while everyone else is
staying away”, but instead I opted for the more passive “well I love <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> and
wanted to see more of it”. Both flights to <st1:city w:st="on">Nairobi</st1:city>
and then to <st1:city w:st="on">Entebbe</st1:city>
were under an hour, and after the take off (around 15 minutes into both flights)
I was surprised they were serving drinks and even a light snack. Let’s just say
that with me sitting near the back by the time I received my tomato juice the stewardess was saying “please put your tray table up we are
landing”; I don’t even think the guys behind me got a drink. </div>
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I had a terrific sense of excitement as I landed in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region>,
especially as they had a large poster of the mountain gorillas as you go
through the terminal. Meeting the immigration officer on this side was also
interesting as on approach he said “Passport”, then about 1 minute later “give
me $50”; and visa is done. This was it I had begun my mini-adventure to live out a
boyhood dream of seeing the mountain gorillas.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was greeted by Agaba of <a href="http://aa-gorilla.com/">A & A Gorilla Tours</a> and my
guide for the trip, Paul, both welcoming me to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region>. After the short journey to
our hotel we had a brief talk about the trip, dinner and then off to bed.
Before going to bed I met one of the largest dogs ever (called Simba meaning
Lion), but like all large dogs I have encountered he was a soft, soppy giant.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ4QFHyu8OhFREBec0oJTH7sGkMtob5HvYZJhlsXh_QBAsYHl8dlGYVroE_PpTLLwk7s4yBZjbDvCFrfrXmEQhkZwGUmWb97husuoZN-t8OLEWGj6_ZOSPE4Dd-wredypLfRRhUs11i2S/s1600/IMG_3762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ4QFHyu8OhFREBec0oJTH7sGkMtob5HvYZJhlsXh_QBAsYHl8dlGYVroE_PpTLLwk7s4yBZjbDvCFrfrXmEQhkZwGUmWb97husuoZN-t8OLEWGj6_ZOSPE4Dd-wredypLfRRhUs11i2S/s1600/IMG_3762.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simba the soppy giant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br />
Up early the next day and as we were leaving <st1:city w:st="on">Entebbe</st1:city> we saw the sun rise over <st1:place w:st="on">Lake
Victoria</st1:place>, which was nothing short of mesmerizing. At first I was
dreading the 8-10 hour journey across <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region>, but Paul was a fantastic
guide and made it into a safari ride using the landscape, towns, people and
wildlife to entertain us as we drove along. I hardly slept on the way there and
people that have driven with me know I love a good sleep in the car; but it was
just so interesting. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnGK0bvN8IeK-MgtXEw9mHwqNBZF62L64O6PJloaaaGw7It4MfNLMap9grkl7yPo9Sbw_OLACA-lrEep5z-GvriNcF1tH6Ux3R7kTckM-0ZsBq10qXDLZeZH_teSqwqvga4DcBQBoOkQj/s1600/IMG_3786+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnGK0bvN8IeK-MgtXEw9mHwqNBZF62L64O6PJloaaaGw7It4MfNLMap9grkl7yPo9Sbw_OLACA-lrEep5z-GvriNcF1tH6Ux3R7kTckM-0ZsBq10qXDLZeZH_teSqwqvga4DcBQBoOkQj/s1600/IMG_3786+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over Lake Victoria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the first hour we were driving down a dusty, red clay road
to avoid the heavy morning <st1:city w:st="on">Kampala</st1:city>
(capital) traffic, you could see all the red dust on the plants that lined the
road; goodness knows what havoc that is playing on peoples lungs. On route we
saw people making bricks using the clay soil, then piling it into a pyramid and
lighting a fire underneath it to dry them. Paul told us about the two
types of coffee grown in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region>,
common lowland variety called <i>Robster</i>
and the more expensive variety grown in the highlands <i>Arabic</i>. Potatoes are called “Irish” as they came from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Ireland</st1:country-region>, and
they are the most expensive vegetable crop that farmers can grow; with sweet
potatoes being the polar opposite; the cheapest. We then made it to the tarmac
road that was a lot smoother to dive on and you could see far into the
beautiful Ugandan landscape; a lot greener than where I am in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYQTicL8qt8B6py-J_dfBG-dIUObzpJRLQlglfl_kRSJUp5xtsh1AjHWVZZo8u8Ro5Lr0KgxxOqEp1nHDCmYrLrLq0pb3Nbgdh_trQIaUHik1MSr0p09NS-Zi3nAHesZe0k1bS-8531Dq/s1600/IMG_3808+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYQTicL8qt8B6py-J_dfBG-dIUObzpJRLQlglfl_kRSJUp5xtsh1AjHWVZZo8u8Ro5Lr0KgxxOqEp1nHDCmYrLrLq0pb3Nbgdh_trQIaUHik1MSr0p09NS-Zi3nAHesZe0k1bS-8531Dq/s1600/IMG_3808+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red dusty road we started on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMli2j2jbFKv5WMnPJrGzYPSchGNtsc_ZsEH_zxczE1VzCZY_ObggOomTPdndY79soLiHYjHtHHo_hkY_lJTcN3IwhleEWrvPVf8XHuctC4B9g9AsHWtsxaaDbmUVyq6loCz0tp4XI_b9V/s1600/IMG_3932+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMli2j2jbFKv5WMnPJrGzYPSchGNtsc_ZsEH_zxczE1VzCZY_ObggOomTPdndY79soLiHYjHtHHo_hkY_lJTcN3IwhleEWrvPVf8XHuctC4B9g9AsHWtsxaaDbmUVyq6loCz0tp4XI_b9V/s1600/IMG_3932+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brick making</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyVNHvlX5pK3ibRDeYdZuUPMCKeqFpOa1WpoAFJLDvdVbfEhklKK1fDpdADywFqqbxI0tzVs1SdCuSlWEOiTnZE-3jVRn2LWQaZ-JbLQkch4vT1LKsy4QvToXh_sMqrnt7PmJxEYEGBab/s1600/IMG_3817+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyVNHvlX5pK3ibRDeYdZuUPMCKeqFpOa1WpoAFJLDvdVbfEhklKK1fDpdADywFqqbxI0tzVs1SdCuSlWEOiTnZE-3jVRn2LWQaZ-JbLQkch4vT1LKsy4QvToXh_sMqrnt7PmJxEYEGBab/s1600/IMG_3817+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main road to western Uganda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We passed some natural swamps with wild Papyrus growing that
the locals use to make baskets and mats. Then Paul stopped suddenly and showed
us a massive bird in the swap area called a Saddle Billed Stork. We only saw
the bird as a local was hunting a small deer like animal.
Quickly back on board and on to our first stop point, the Equator.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfvzY5V28d2mzJZgrdR69qftPcbEftLycaTtiINTkUGVPp61I9k1MpdRh7HEX9jFNk4_C1spHNUNBJIgSeRlvBolsEo4itKJbVki1pdlxrN6NL_Cy2lJ5EPPEYGn2l5Rt3JwaP9_OBTxT/s1600/IMG_3828+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfvzY5V28d2mzJZgrdR69qftPcbEftLycaTtiINTkUGVPp61I9k1MpdRh7HEX9jFNk4_C1spHNUNBJIgSeRlvBolsEo4itKJbVki1pdlxrN6NL_Cy2lJ5EPPEYGn2l5Rt3JwaP9_OBTxT/s1600/IMG_3828+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papyrus growing in the swamps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydFa9a2YJD27_niiwYN6Q8V0EJaC5Zw50b8woq-yjNo4pr-N5WwiNrNglwwPKh3SA4NQ9b5_2i2x4QVfT6PwWrPY8ZFN1CxLE3hcp4MwYxlQaa1MnBSPLckAoYTcvyA1xFiszXTcNRxL5/s1600/IMG_3826+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydFa9a2YJD27_niiwYN6Q8V0EJaC5Zw50b8woq-yjNo4pr-N5WwiNrNglwwPKh3SA4NQ9b5_2i2x4QVfT6PwWrPY8ZFN1CxLE3hcp4MwYxlQaa1MnBSPLckAoYTcvyA1xFiszXTcNRxL5/s1600/IMG_3826+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very bad shot of the Saddle Billed Stork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Arriving at the Equator point was quite interesting as you
had a large ring you could stand in saying 0˚Latitude and a few tourist shops;
but a little bit desolate. Regardless of that is was cool to be passing from
the northern to the southern hemisphere; or to have one foot in each half. We saw a demonstration of the way water spins in each hemisphere and
exactly in the middle. The three sinks were about 5 metres apart with the
middle one bang on the 0˚ line. In the northern hemisphere the water span
clockwise, in the southern hemisphere the water span counter-clockwise, can you
guess what happened in the middle? Amazingly the water did not spin at all,
just went straight down the hole, I was impressed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTYw0C8kuIQiDrBzFARHWqzYYRG5ndY-IkKGGhT9KxaVTx_ZRJTwQBoGtoFtBJSX0pFD_60mtC-jso-jJ47FHy9HTOsC4fAQzqq_Z8CMHLGLhZ1OWUDy6xlb3CA-4CsUgM1oufTBSL_Se/s1600/IMG_3833+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTYw0C8kuIQiDrBzFARHWqzYYRG5ndY-IkKGGhT9KxaVTx_ZRJTwQBoGtoFtBJSX0pFD_60mtC-jso-jJ47FHy9HTOsC4fAQzqq_Z8CMHLGLhZ1OWUDy6xlb3CA-4CsUgM1oufTBSL_Se/s1600/IMG_3833+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing on the Equator</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJn-Uophw6UgAbKdFH7cbTeCiLkM50I3jf0IQoHts6RsD7NCUam1wxCCxJMaNYKBMNwMOuZdF74Eb-5CkKvDEgg-xBVq5G_Vh72CGKcX3pYIorooF1bWw76lDglVjZpqsvgIlAGr0fx_B/s1600/IMG_3851+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJn-Uophw6UgAbKdFH7cbTeCiLkM50I3jf0IQoHts6RsD7NCUam1wxCCxJMaNYKBMNwMOuZdF74Eb-5CkKvDEgg-xBVq5G_Vh72CGKcX3pYIorooF1bWw76lDglVjZpqsvgIlAGr0fx_B/s1600/IMG_3851+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One foot in both hemispheres</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pSA-v3JujbLWU91VOdRRztKYnmIW3CuBTENwpRLQ35rYXuiaFnXomSoABLOxkFHf1-Txc_4Yp-S1kHg94OKZonwBP41uBtxgdBKR_S4OwY02lvsnR5Cp8jobvzven0hOnAgkzAuD245l/s1600/IMG_3845+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pSA-v3JujbLWU91VOdRRztKYnmIW3CuBTENwpRLQ35rYXuiaFnXomSoABLOxkFHf1-Txc_4Yp-S1kHg94OKZonwBP41uBtxgdBKR_S4OwY02lvsnR5Cp8jobvzven0hOnAgkzAuD245l/s1600/IMG_3845+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to be amazed by water spinning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBbUCZ5ydJvUZcT2iVAysn2bScMEmKYPyaZd8xc531etsm9ngyad6Dp_xISvCOudwYNYLfW1ylc402_kLT181wWMLwdCxJa-QFx7pdM6_8goENqIuOPVRNcJqAba4SDhgBZDa9H41_87I/s1600/IMG_3847+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBbUCZ5ydJvUZcT2iVAysn2bScMEmKYPyaZd8xc531etsm9ngyad6Dp_xISvCOudwYNYLfW1ylc402_kLT181wWMLwdCxJa-QFx7pdM6_8goENqIuOPVRNcJqAba4SDhgBZDa9H41_87I/s1600/IMG_3847+(1280x853).jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD4-5hqQ9Trk9UJMnVrHaroWzROqurfD6_Nk1QfZm2aqCl75-6QwolEEJVsKSvuhbZHv5lsyUKXtq-uU8X72tuAM0ecnd3N-_F4EtQy9sgySkAtqxnF62Q8RvIW6ALjSp-J6yOkTDyImN/s1600/IMG_3846+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD4-5hqQ9Trk9UJMnVrHaroWzROqurfD6_Nk1QfZm2aqCl75-6QwolEEJVsKSvuhbZHv5lsyUKXtq-uU8X72tuAM0ecnd3N-_F4EtQy9sgySkAtqxnF62Q8RvIW6ALjSp-J6yOkTDyImN/s1600/IMG_3846+(1280x853).jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVCYGXyDdzawJRxd0YyX84U4WW2kxCa8aXgFUvAVJ2U65_mUMTwmVejwAvLH0muk2UXjpYp_HnUiuNQhM-h25fb_VGKZAPlJbKN_pbHdJBUJv_4g6KSf4vv8edBs-MM-bKXav0Z1uoLtQ/s1600/IMG_3848+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVCYGXyDdzawJRxd0YyX84U4WW2kxCa8aXgFUvAVJ2U65_mUMTwmVejwAvLH0muk2UXjpYp_HnUiuNQhM-h25fb_VGKZAPlJbKN_pbHdJBUJv_4g6KSf4vv8edBs-MM-bKXav0Z1uoLtQ/s1600/IMG_3848+(1280x853).jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On the road again and heading towards Mbarara, which is the
main town in western <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region>.
We passed Lake Nabugabo, which is fed solely by Lake Victoria and is mined
extensively for sand; explains why a new glass making factory is currently
being built by the Chinese. As it was currently the dry season (June/July)
people were delivering/collecting water for the villages and towns in yellow
jerry cans; amazing how many people could get on a bicycle. At one point a funeral
van sped past us with flashing red lights that must have doubled up as an
ambulance; but they also advertised they did catering, chairs and tents;
brilliant business diversifying. Their slogan could be <i>“we bury you, we seat you, we feed you.”</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbIn4leGqJq9nWOp8lt2bRsVWdnGT6XbQaHH785qGXAlzV4XmPGNy7bfZWAS24AV_brwABtCz7t9RYeDyQTaUaZBgfu4wKb-wINGZYmQ1JonaoXv1X0jtQ-_B2zxnxGtgw0pXn3a2d7Tt/s1600/IMG_3863+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbIn4leGqJq9nWOp8lt2bRsVWdnGT6XbQaHH785qGXAlzV4XmPGNy7bfZWAS24AV_brwABtCz7t9RYeDyQTaUaZBgfu4wKb-wINGZYmQ1JonaoXv1X0jtQ-_B2zxnxGtgw0pXn3a2d7Tt/s1600/IMG_3863+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guys carrying water to local villages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36DciANsjIwyEJCSSkIPxKdHVHrWc-aXlzD6U3noVSKspwQsm2c8CvDQlZz125APtL-ZY4VCqtQoz7DbqEt6DlKtJtLZUGhHbpv0L81y2db2er1gYl4kpof2JAKcRRlqwWdHsCaFtUuHd/s1600/IMG_3874+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36DciANsjIwyEJCSSkIPxKdHVHrWc-aXlzD6U3noVSKspwQsm2c8CvDQlZz125APtL-ZY4VCqtQoz7DbqEt6DlKtJtLZUGhHbpv0L81y2db2er1gYl4kpof2JAKcRRlqwWdHsCaFtUuHd/s1600/IMG_3874+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-Horned Ankole cattle, famous in this region</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As we were driving through Lake Mburo National Park Paul
pointed out that this was the smallest national park in Uganda, stretching a
measly 364KM², but the only place Impala cold be seen in the country. Unfortunately
the park now only had one lion left within its boundaries due to them hunting
livestock. The farmers would poison meat killing practically all the lions. The
lion was male and there are plans to re-introduce some females; so some hope
yet. It is sad they feel the need to do this and kill such a magnificent animal.<br />
<br />
I learnt that the Marahbu Stork (another large bird) has
acid in its throat so strong it could turn metal into liquid. We stopped in
Mbarara for lunch and also saw the Great White Pelican and the Crown/Crested
Crane, which is the national bird of Uganda with the three colours of the flag;
Red, Black and Yellow. I am starting to think all the birds in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region> are
supersized. Lunch was quick and delicious, I got to try the national dish
Matooke, boiled and mashed green bananas with a peanut sauce; as expected it
was delicious. I changed some money into Ugandan Shillings, it was so
colourful, Pink, Blue, Yellow, Green and Red bills; the closest currency to
look like monopoly money yet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIbbBx6zw4Ft4U6rcy6fIT57daWHk1POvtOJeTpaNVVj727Buxv7YqPHfdlS93a3Ip-lPts1SU508uyJwQCeeCi_ZUY_VtoRTgTkLfS40cx9Sl850-Tk60J6cGR9-bZC93lDxP6hZAhby/s1600/IMG_3893+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIbbBx6zw4Ft4U6rcy6fIT57daWHk1POvtOJeTpaNVVj727Buxv7YqPHfdlS93a3Ip-lPts1SU508uyJwQCeeCi_ZUY_VtoRTgTkLfS40cx9Sl850-Tk60J6cGR9-bZC93lDxP6hZAhby/s1600/IMG_3893+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marahbu Stork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVxLBXeLBIucAaIh_whBchFobUfZz8tsVoZDwk_Rlu2DqTAJBJ6Ao6YwzURUb_fbINK0zIINU8SqwkEtRqPMkXTgREFJzNvbaJmVFkBCaPCbgmGPaaz1mCKDP5lECflzOAOtRqEA3yzYK/s1600/IMG_3916+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVxLBXeLBIucAaIh_whBchFobUfZz8tsVoZDwk_Rlu2DqTAJBJ6Ao6YwzURUb_fbINK0zIINU8SqwkEtRqPMkXTgREFJzNvbaJmVFkBCaPCbgmGPaaz1mCKDP5lECflzOAOtRqEA3yzYK/s1600/IMG_3916+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crown/Crested Crane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYMj14oxOy7pstvOAyXKApAQkfdnYnF-ZiMub3vO_gFudZOyxmSO06mSY8TzF3-24zKEa606aFqSgVts1PMuwuMFMm3oWOPMAj9I7FNLEPIBHD0Mn1qbqJ5xyyMKcqsYnb9CWnr26EoQa/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYMj14oxOy7pstvOAyXKApAQkfdnYnF-ZiMub3vO_gFudZOyxmSO06mSY8TzF3-24zKEa606aFqSgVts1PMuwuMFMm3oWOPMAj9I7FNLEPIBHD0Mn1qbqJ5xyyMKcqsYnb9CWnr26EoQa/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great White Pelican</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2q79bU4aOz_c4MMb7WfCODQrqpDv9dr0lNuFT6ECtzRLcqI9ANU1ShnlK1sBvVr2y5x4ENWioi5ocTc4Mk1MDb6yVRFObNvAeW7pOLuQ8gHeVxrAuzLPQCb92xhqUTjRZzRswMj-V67n/s1600/IMG_3897+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2q79bU4aOz_c4MMb7WfCODQrqpDv9dr0lNuFT6ECtzRLcqI9ANU1ShnlK1sBvVr2y5x4ENWioi5ocTc4Mk1MDb6yVRFObNvAeW7pOLuQ8gHeVxrAuzLPQCb92xhqUTjRZzRswMj-V67n/s1600/IMG_3897+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mbarara town center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3BEqeCdBBuTjl1y5flRzgks-yuAT5D1QDlUwgNHQSugTNj-DSCCsfdZNI3dinZ6wgit-HQMhk6PBqgsPHZmBIfgfJqS-xh9bnkHUJ9n4qThCGyB96bm1WgJspFpnU8NnVCQzhZiy_1t8/s1600/IMG_3894+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3BEqeCdBBuTjl1y5flRzgks-yuAT5D1QDlUwgNHQSugTNj-DSCCsfdZNI3dinZ6wgit-HQMhk6PBqgsPHZmBIfgfJqS-xh9bnkHUJ9n4qThCGyB96bm1WgJspFpnU8NnVCQzhZiy_1t8/s1600/IMG_3894+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green bananas used for Matooke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpJsUIFbqs1jpvOd4v0Vo1pTrP0F2BaK0WvbI32TFrW187SNt13F_ftHCm67U1YMjoTEBdc3lTMu11k4jsPnp4n3tHk5YlOQjGT7lg7iJvPbfPGTvRKyOZ9bt3S7oQDRNfex0Xt8Lexc9/s1600/IMG_3927+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpJsUIFbqs1jpvOd4v0Vo1pTrP0F2BaK0WvbI32TFrW187SNt13F_ftHCm67U1YMjoTEBdc3lTMu11k4jsPnp4n3tHk5YlOQjGT7lg7iJvPbfPGTvRKyOZ9bt3S7oQDRNfex0Xt8Lexc9/s1600/IMG_3927+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many beautiful fruit & veg stalls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38fG2-WvGBf0drdWuIwJTfPzsfIO2sGpak_o_h6KTRhIXA4FyVMP0uMlLYs5HBJG1IV_POPa9bRALbNRGo5ZRzxIIkPz0xF3wldSGINESs-bzDmMv1g_2rkZtC9ERv_LytpnrqWuNAuA6/s1600/IMG_3924+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38fG2-WvGBf0drdWuIwJTfPzsfIO2sGpak_o_h6KTRhIXA4FyVMP0uMlLYs5HBJG1IV_POPa9bRALbNRGo5ZRzxIIkPz0xF3wldSGINESs-bzDmMv1g_2rkZtC9ERv_LytpnrqWuNAuA6/s1600/IMG_3924+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul buying us some sugar cane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally after 9 hours we closed in on Bwindi and the
landscape had changed from flat farmland into big rolling hills. The mist had
increased, and a certain coolness in the air as we were climbing in altitude.
Paul told us the reason Bwindi is called the Impenetrable forest is that 60% of
it is inaccessible. As we entered the forest area you could clearly see the
boundary between the cultivated farmland and the forest; thank goodness this
forest is protected. As large trees started to engulf us I started to be
overwhelmed with memories of seeing photos and video footage of Dian Fossey in
areas such as this. I was actually here and the gorillas were now within my
grasp, somewhere beyond those trees were half the remaining population of
mountain gorillas in the world; around 440.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHavWREHBjKM2F9mDFHAZOJYmCCc-1qnngL7Fv7wId2YNWaaEA3YO8o-AW7lwkLgFQPdrz8U_PK01P9Y2G1ABKwS3uP_WOOCIGhjQj0PPfcxIeU_RLt8YDA5208A4VWIGhc9_K7fu-USta/s1600/IMG_3954+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHavWREHBjKM2F9mDFHAZOJYmCCc-1qnngL7Fv7wId2YNWaaEA3YO8o-AW7lwkLgFQPdrz8U_PK01P9Y2G1ABKwS3uP_WOOCIGhjQj0PPfcxIeU_RLt8YDA5208A4VWIGhc9_K7fu-USta/s1600/IMG_3954+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountains of Bwindi and the communities that live in the valleys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nEMInLvyjDsonityiiKS2VAAG-ibLr_ouHSdUX9Ea_t_BUUwGjXRYCc2hc9u_itJGjxhg7rCFqwjTTfMERN7rwDyptY4HSzyeTuCtfPiq8-HCRR6tHNI2AtIlS-3cobkq3eT8lzXXs_L/s1600/IMG_3961+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nEMInLvyjDsonityiiKS2VAAG-ibLr_ouHSdUX9Ea_t_BUUwGjXRYCc2hc9u_itJGjxhg7rCFqwjTTfMERN7rwDyptY4HSzyeTuCtfPiq8-HCRR6tHNI2AtIlS-3cobkq3eT8lzXXs_L/s1600/IMG_3961+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boundary between farmland and the forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bYATOOWlFt8soWndVkAA7fdFb-kkpsFHrixeUgJrj69nSl0_OdMkqo7W6pwXjenWza1D-MicZZOP7P-uNwjbfnfHb3C6RNO95SJ4AzssU50OxRFYKo09S2JjZ3cVTw7JhPBAwCrMCGX6/s1600/IMG_3962+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bYATOOWlFt8soWndVkAA7fdFb-kkpsFHrixeUgJrj69nSl0_OdMkqo7W6pwXjenWza1D-MicZZOP7P-uNwjbfnfHb3C6RNO95SJ4AzssU50OxRFYKo09S2JjZ3cVTw7JhPBAwCrMCGX6/s1600/IMG_3962+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our entrance into Bwindi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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Of course Bwindi was not only home to the gorillas, there
were birds, forest elephants, chimpanzees and the guereza<b> </b>colobus monkeys; which I had seen while coming down from Mount
Kilimanjaro last year in Tanzania. It would be great to see…suddenly we
stopped, Paul had spotted the colobus and sure enough there they were. They
differ from the Angolan colobus that I am studying in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place>, they have far fluffier backs
and tails, and slightly larger/pointier heads. We had barely begun and one big
tick already on the list.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Finally arrived at our lodge, lovely solar powered hot
shower, then I went for a walk about the small local village area. No matter
how far away the kids were they would shout out HELLO and wave non stop; it was
lovely. A very nice dinner of beans, rice and veg and then outside sitting by
the camp fire watching the night sky while being told stories in the local
tongue through song. This place was truly unbelievable and the more I thought
about it the more I realised it would probably be another night of little
sleep; for tomorrow I was going to actually see the mountain gorillas of
Bwindi.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDahxPuepLVny70n_XlXDiD5u5KseKdbEZchrvWGzDHBO1wrV78apM4oTBSV6Ve427YzrGb42e3gmVNzqW0Bx8pP3wiI8KaUoG_qeU3HhpwsH3zclIFE4sNYP4vGqf_Dn8erXNs_QLicxo/s1600/IMG_4016+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDahxPuepLVny70n_XlXDiD5u5KseKdbEZchrvWGzDHBO1wrV78apM4oTBSV6Ve427YzrGb42e3gmVNzqW0Bx8pP3wiI8KaUoG_qeU3HhpwsH3zclIFE4sNYP4vGqf_Dn8erXNs_QLicxo/s1600/IMG_4016+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp fire outside the lodge as the sun sets in Bwindi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I9JNUJysmKSC4vRarB8NleOrceFrU42RZ_FkfaNGb7myYAnmQ77FgHcxZKveun8GAEXfjiEELQWCYHgCW_BAhExXvM51aA6m0smH0nA_7SREz8e1UVp26CwFbjoCYjK6Yac4oNQgNxni/s1600/IMG_4022+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I9JNUJysmKSC4vRarB8NleOrceFrU42RZ_FkfaNGb7myYAnmQ77FgHcxZKveun8GAEXfjiEELQWCYHgCW_BAhExXvM51aA6m0smH0nA_7SREz8e1UVp26CwFbjoCYjK6Yac4oNQgNxni/s1600/IMG_4022+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Story telling and local songs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
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<br /></div>
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You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region> on my
Flickr page here - <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsjZJ6dUU">https://flic.kr/s/aHsjZJ6dUU</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or on my facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disclaimer:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links
posted."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda-1.0601201709472203 29.718017578125-1.5681381709472202 29.072570578125 -0.55210217094722036 30.363464578125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-20821676903142940462014-07-01T10:36:00.000+01:002014-07-01T10:36:39.010+01:004 months in, must be time for a holiday<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Month four has been a fantastic time in my African
adventure, but that time is certainly going fast as I now only have 8 weeks
left till I head on home.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This month kicked off with the amazing weekend of beach
games, drinking, music and beautiful sunshine called “Diani Rules”; see some
photos and read more about it <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/diani-rules.html">here</a>. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmAhznJbMvcFBcwhM6QVEBIWCz5qQluSyo706S5zkbt8lmGNWcZlMRH1I_qvnrZRgEMYdieWFnBgxhRT-wMy0aV7WpT1X96i-qCgS41jBlFeYDmMfBtoyAojZbPzMNq-WJYZOV388PysU/s1600/10370359_10152494500761913_1837997249432860194_n+%2528960x639%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmAhznJbMvcFBcwhM6QVEBIWCz5qQluSyo706S5zkbt8lmGNWcZlMRH1I_qvnrZRgEMYdieWFnBgxhRT-wMy0aV7WpT1X96i-qCgS41jBlFeYDmMfBtoyAojZbPzMNq-WJYZOV388PysU/s1600/10370359_10152494500761913_1837997249432860194_n+%2528960x639%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diani Rules team photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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Hugo chased away a baboon who tried to attack Chip, he is
one brave man and you can read about his troop <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/an-introduction-to-colobus-troop-1.html">here</a>. I learnt how to cook
Kenyan cuisine with our resident chef for an article on Vegan food in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>; so many
of their dishes are naturally vegan like Sukuma Wiki and Kachumberi. The old
school gym at Colobus Conservation is getting some use, I am talking a log as a
bench, and iron bars with cement as weights. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn4BYd18C0DbhT21R2HjM5JyCtH1nbfnG1MdZLZwW9GfY3-xD0Gkxfy5HzzdyszFbIWXeWAO-E1n_0JwIW55opk3t2is8OTUyTO0f2TNjvpijE0NaCGOOtpFbKF6pH9FteYeH_JsjRNWo/s1600/Hugo+and+Baboon+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn4BYd18C0DbhT21R2HjM5JyCtH1nbfnG1MdZLZwW9GfY3-xD0Gkxfy5HzzdyszFbIWXeWAO-E1n_0JwIW55opk3t2is8OTUyTO0f2TNjvpijE0NaCGOOtpFbKF6pH9FteYeH_JsjRNWo/s1600/Hugo+and+Baboon+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo (left) standing up to the baboon (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnzbuWNu5aTr8zqQyrt4KxPk7ibK7Yyy6AgcgCai2X066QF1y-3_8hv-BvVpyG1zbfMuqs5ldfKSxkbtgdLkthCYjiwpMziP4qy0MXa4O_MsFst12Z-nUnIFul8o0ZTqZd8KyZ6SPhgDP/s1600/Omari+&+Kenyan+cuisine+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnzbuWNu5aTr8zqQyrt4KxPk7ibK7Yyy6AgcgCai2X066QF1y-3_8hv-BvVpyG1zbfMuqs5ldfKSxkbtgdLkthCYjiwpMziP4qy0MXa4O_MsFst12Z-nUnIFul8o0ZTqZd8KyZ6SPhgDP/s1600/Omari+&+Kenyan+cuisine+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Omari with some traditional Kenyan food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The 2014 Brazil World Cup is underway and watching the games
on the beach is great, however the games are on quite late meaning sleep has
had to take a back seat lately. It is really interesting watching the games
with so many different nationals; we have Dutch, German, French, Swiss, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Ivory Coast</st1:country-region>, English, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Chile</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Brazil</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Belgium</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Spain</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Nigeria</st1:country-region> and <st1:place w:st="on">USA</st1:place>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the biggest highlight of the month and of my entire
trip is definitely the visiting of my parents and girlfriend Lara. Seeing them
arriving at the airport was fantastic and the next ten days was a great
holiday. We visited Kaya Kinondo (a sacred forest) and learnt about how you can
use the different plants for medicine, use strong vines for swings and visited
a traditional village. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianPdhL8d8m_qoZyX6R7RhObIlYDoxsgHp-IBf3Aab_qHSrvLF3CdSqyNTAfGVxHKcypp17Us4jpL4rX7cqkzNgYsCj1WVWS03QtA4w5rgHTn3vYz9vSNDKFI-6ONS3n-gViRrvmmKJlzB/s1600/Me+sniffing+strong+leaves+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianPdhL8d8m_qoZyX6R7RhObIlYDoxsgHp-IBf3Aab_qHSrvLF3CdSqyNTAfGVxHKcypp17Us4jpL4rX7cqkzNgYsCj1WVWS03QtA4w5rgHTn3vYz9vSNDKFI-6ONS3n-gViRrvmmKJlzB/s1600/Me+sniffing+strong+leaves+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sniffing leaves that help clear sinesus </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb33PyeGAHg3HIjmFAbsK-YEx134e8V-38Y3LVdZK_gW7QWiIsYyL3fZCOKxu3v0U5FJSxfHF3zg50u7StEHHk_F2miSl3yCOYTgqoDlSWiv5ypulEthoUb3WzK1XtFWcKAydexLi0_mC/s1600/Me+on+vine+swing+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb33PyeGAHg3HIjmFAbsK-YEx134e8V-38Y3LVdZK_gW7QWiIsYyL3fZCOKxu3v0U5FJSxfHF3zg50u7StEHHk_F2miSl3yCOYTgqoDlSWiv5ypulEthoUb3WzK1XtFWcKAydexLi0_mC/s1600/Me+on+vine+swing+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging on a vine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PA9feJ4kQmYR1w1gErR0UKbAzqqPVYNwQHUVc9tYNkUAHBl0QyQ4zg0HGDxUxbQidA38LjA8isTjE6Sy9PczXfyWFadDpsMUYtrQOLR0ZN1BtpQQDFjiXB7JccE4NnVZVp1aeKd1FHY8/s1600/Kenyan+child+in+traditional+village+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PA9feJ4kQmYR1w1gErR0UKbAzqqPVYNwQHUVc9tYNkUAHBl0QyQ4zg0HGDxUxbQidA38LjA8isTjE6Sy9PczXfyWFadDpsMUYtrQOLR0ZN1BtpQQDFjiXB7JccE4NnVZVp1aeKd1FHY8/s1600/Kenyan+child+in+traditional+village+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting a traditional Kenyan village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I went on Safaris in Shimba Hills and <st1:placename w:st="on">Tsavo</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">East</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">National
Parks</st1:placetype> where I walked to a waterfall and saw the rare Sable
antelope, Masai Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, <st1:city w:st="on">Buffalo</st1:city>, lots of herd animals and colourful
birds. It was an incredible experience and so wonderful to see all these majestic
animals in their natural habitat.<br />
<br />
Learning how to collect fecal samples for parasite analysis also featured this month.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtzuO7wVlSpeGi9TEi77hZxcfbRkwj8rr-4jYQD5uKJuGPkZPujdyOhcJ0ixKqpIzrYnNM5PPM7JkCljPWKt6i78u8TsNxs8NN36lSVeKoFJLBThm_zJqfqDRjDza_d0HY4SN3tcqiqcO/s1600/Waterfall+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtzuO7wVlSpeGi9TEi77hZxcfbRkwj8rr-4jYQD5uKJuGPkZPujdyOhcJ0ixKqpIzrYnNM5PPM7JkCljPWKt6i78u8TsNxs8NN36lSVeKoFJLBThm_zJqfqDRjDza_d0HY4SN3tcqiqcO/s1600/Waterfall+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall at Shimba Hills National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mqXluE07EY0doXM9XMkFq6EwGe9N8RZMslw-HER-tmxlq9Dngi2hOqI23FyPqqtQmBWfgxFVZR5P72_Ia_JjW1WcCmN61SIbL4sUyeSaC4NmInLSfiHvgbD9qHT2KYDf-DqDgV9N_6px/s1600/Black-faced+sandgrouse+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mqXluE07EY0doXM9XMkFq6EwGe9N8RZMslw-HER-tmxlq9Dngi2hOqI23FyPqqtQmBWfgxFVZR5P72_Ia_JjW1WcCmN61SIbL4sUyeSaC4NmInLSfiHvgbD9qHT2KYDf-DqDgV9N_6px/s1600/Black-faced+sandgrouse+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of black-faced sandgrouse, male in the front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7_MgmiSHRVHTN-I-_W_F0a6-UDQs0LC8w7mUHtFlUsWIitdadratBZv8iyuKkwR09P9rzVCxLZymXzBiiJSVr36-JkTK3lAaj1Lg85WE-T3_EoNLQBqq_om_8-lPcGc0tmiNSazWmLn3/s1600/Giraffe+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7_MgmiSHRVHTN-I-_W_F0a6-UDQs0LC8w7mUHtFlUsWIitdadratBZv8iyuKkwR09P9rzVCxLZymXzBiiJSVr36-JkTK3lAaj1Lg85WE-T3_EoNLQBqq_om_8-lPcGc0tmiNSazWmLn3/s1600/Giraffe+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masai Giraffe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4QLWW2-QhqzSetsD_3wqmN2IC4DmcbRaPIR2fkjc_bnfIMnLmV9aVYd7dICx7QH_3WHYjEtxiyLlyN6QuMpCI-zREBVCVnZu8YFtDdbDqptzwpPu-Av-dtsicJPmrxcjxMkzHxh0fBbm/s1600/Elephant+herd+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4QLWW2-QhqzSetsD_3wqmN2IC4DmcbRaPIR2fkjc_bnfIMnLmV9aVYd7dICx7QH_3WHYjEtxiyLlyN6QuMpCI-zREBVCVnZu8YFtDdbDqptzwpPu-Av-dtsicJPmrxcjxMkzHxh0fBbm/s1600/Elephant+herd+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herd of elephants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4bwWhDqm3z7CiLEhvRfcqEjHTsPWWuFQMLfLPGJeen_DbKVRa8URI3PBaXcL3KWX8tSTFfDmJO72LttmoEdXjdftzB_5pNKagwmWFMzc1kKhokEo0160uHbv1beX7g-wVP09crELmd3C/s1600/Baby+elephant+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4bwWhDqm3z7CiLEhvRfcqEjHTsPWWuFQMLfLPGJeen_DbKVRa8URI3PBaXcL3KWX8tSTFfDmJO72LttmoEdXjdftzB_5pNKagwmWFMzc1kKhokEo0160uHbv1beX7g-wVP09crELmd3C/s1600/Baby+elephant+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One month old elephants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvm7zzEY5ElpDJPhyphenhyphenpQBZ3JjEcb9EFUcNr29BTl02So_LeJJE5w1hvzvdyhx_h2DqhgutvR24J-8Dg3R_Zplfb_hZJUGYiXYzLt8ik5MMtK9rr9exzCYt71mME3g_pZL9ti4UtPQ0VG08/s1600/Superb+starling+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvm7zzEY5ElpDJPhyphenhyphenpQBZ3JjEcb9EFUcNr29BTl02So_LeJJE5w1hvzvdyhx_h2DqhgutvR24J-8Dg3R_Zplfb_hZJUGYiXYzLt8ik5MMtK9rr9exzCYt71mME3g_pZL9ti4UtPQ0VG08/s1600/Superb+starling+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A superb starling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTLDs_RaOQ_y41veMeQWurMfJ08FFZDJKHxN__pDHBGTs3b3mQoZFjNy8Ji9ykcemOwni3RogVQvexWjuFOdHllNdYUBwix13LyZ0Jkr9IHvTW7ZMig3OFtTjdhACYE_Xh4k8FcrgjQkD/s1600/Lion+cubs+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTLDs_RaOQ_y41veMeQWurMfJ08FFZDJKHxN__pDHBGTs3b3mQoZFjNy8Ji9ykcemOwni3RogVQvexWjuFOdHllNdYUBwix13LyZ0Jkr9IHvTW7ZMig3OFtTjdhACYE_Xh4k8FcrgjQkD/s1600/Lion+cubs+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion cubs waiting on a rock for parents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczYWhjEdM7hutNxivK_es0ws84_j0ZkYb32ReDlMuiIggvcM3MA3nIU_tLGFJxT3izuQShdeg7Xd6S7Yws9_M1AXeEpVTTA0Kiwcwggh9G9YxVHz6ex6v_UmVJPgo5ILYZ-RHt0dlz4Es/s1600/Lion+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczYWhjEdM7hutNxivK_es0ws84_j0ZkYb32ReDlMuiIggvcM3MA3nIU_tLGFJxT3izuQShdeg7Xd6S7Yws9_M1AXeEpVTTA0Kiwcwggh9G9YxVHz6ex6v_UmVJPgo5ILYZ-RHt0dlz4Es/s1600/Lion+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A female lion </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_STCBdTv12o_He7gfuPmQgj29oGbLW-vuhegs4lEg6_gre_ih47Y7RmNq5BGZISsEpj4Q3fc5kP1cbaf3dkESTOb_iUuZYKtzyWYl2oYYCbHloLwfD1RWgAV-x4yGVCZ0Turx_EFwv4u/s1600/View+from+Tsavo+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_STCBdTv12o_He7gfuPmQgj29oGbLW-vuhegs4lEg6_gre_ih47Y7RmNq5BGZISsEpj4Q3fc5kP1cbaf3dkESTOb_iUuZYKtzyWYl2oYYCbHloLwfD1RWgAV-x4yGVCZ0Turx_EFwv4u/s1600/View+from+Tsavo+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our lodge in Tsavo East National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EoU6U8NufQ60W4hv7KBS9ChUNRG-2v2G_goK6qKbZ_MleSa2DJizxX4GovLgMVX9ywnXvAVooCMPw6yDSeSoC4DLVeQxt0waJ3fUXEQAlUBoFpYZnQwZ3xA6VmBXXHldhMcWwovP48da/s1600/Zebra+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EoU6U8NufQ60W4hv7KBS9ChUNRG-2v2G_goK6qKbZ_MleSa2DJizxX4GovLgMVX9ywnXvAVooCMPw6yDSeSoC4DLVeQxt0waJ3fUXEQAlUBoFpYZnQwZ3xA6VmBXXHldhMcWwovP48da/s1600/Zebra+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group of Zebras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> on my
Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or on my facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-89665896917355299182014-06-04T14:20:00.001+01:002014-06-04T14:37:45.968+01:00Diani Rules!Last weekend I was fortunate to take part in the 24th world famous Diani Rules competition to raise money for the <a href="http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/">Kwale District Eye Center</a>. As part of the South Coast Residents Association (SCRA) & Colobus Conservation team we played many silly beach games where the main rule was to have fun. At first we thought we would just have a laugh and enjoy ourselves, but then we started winning and got a taste for victory. The games included football with a rugby ball, tennis played with a football and your feet, volleyball, waterball as the waves came crashing in, frisbee in a hurricane, a boat race with no boats (only beer) and raft building and racing.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We actually came first and our prize was a crate of beer, accompanied by water, just in case. Here is a photo-reel to tell the story.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdSSDyMViPHAL4BY9e6uu2ZU_9BvFdAiJnvKMTKLh9KXW2yRRjdp-RdptD5WodV3FUaYSxYFlpVs3yNknNT11_nCrMsqRa6vnskagbls1RdeM2xr6YdC-8o-Sxktwv_ZhIwXK5dsyaB2_/s1600/DSC00515+(1280x852).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdSSDyMViPHAL4BY9e6uu2ZU_9BvFdAiJnvKMTKLh9KXW2yRRjdp-RdptD5WodV3FUaYSxYFlpVs3yNknNT11_nCrMsqRa6vnskagbls1RdeM2xr6YdC-8o-Sxktwv_ZhIwXK5dsyaB2_/s1600/DSC00515+(1280x852).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forty Thieves Beach Bar, where the action took place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXMWO6QYSEdG-kSDrXhp1gZs5GlV-w02hyg_NXXrhm-N9qE_3LI5oK1E-p77_goZIeK4AjzHtSHKYU3M4TWQCQm-e__53JOFWZ2fyltpiagGxYY08GDIqQuYisasVJuBlcmKoqroLES5X/s1600/DSC00038+(1280x852).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXMWO6QYSEdG-kSDrXhp1gZs5GlV-w02hyg_NXXrhm-N9qE_3LI5oK1E-p77_goZIeK4AjzHtSHKYU3M4TWQCQm-e__53JOFWZ2fyltpiagGxYY08GDIqQuYisasVJuBlcmKoqroLES5X/s1600/DSC00038+(1280x852).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team members taking it all in before the games get underway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi-5xhBX824elvxHlO8YRanJEuu7nUR19eRw3L6IZm3tHfsFJuN5h5273Juoh1dibi5lQtUx1Q-Mpg4CXTDEqUeqZQf19P_Wwdi1mQIM3Uo6PnoK2r3sq89ZIO2WcnKFsX-iktOcxR_Wj/s1600/10423646_10152492021421913_1575270678895670268_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi-5xhBX824elvxHlO8YRanJEuu7nUR19eRw3L6IZm3tHfsFJuN5h5273Juoh1dibi5lQtUx1Q-Mpg4CXTDEqUeqZQf19P_Wwdi1mQIM3Uo6PnoK2r3sq89ZIO2WcnKFsX-iktOcxR_Wj/s1600/10423646_10152492021421913_1575270678895670268_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ hit it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ1O2ZCvn8a3WRwkhCbcDurnzIJCbjdW_5ZJDfhEk3_aTCXizzlnubYprzHVcpH2v_6IEOS2AV5keegokIsaIVqSNeyzeOTenOE7sSnUZC6p7TzE7YLuZqXyerldE-1hG8xclsmkx7ldQ/s1600/10366002_10152493954461913_6957461758938638085_n+(639x960).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ1O2ZCvn8a3WRwkhCbcDurnzIJCbjdW_5ZJDfhEk3_aTCXizzlnubYprzHVcpH2v_6IEOS2AV5keegokIsaIVqSNeyzeOTenOE7sSnUZC6p7TzE7YLuZqXyerldE-1hG8xclsmkx7ldQ/s1600/10366002_10152493954461913_6957461758938638085_n+(639x960).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Give me a rugby ball and I am smiling, even if it is to play football</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFnkR0yGfaMAxudCk2saAaLpnlLpbMvuG2WCyqQQzsbDivRA019IfXglEA9Tv7SOWee-kIH7s2RvEdZyM9bPH5UzHkm6mz4dq-cH9EOcrNyZnCb8oJue8U7rsO2lQhvkDu84xlTiByUy8/s1600/10376747_10152494165446913_3926918884222470419_n+(960x792).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFnkR0yGfaMAxudCk2saAaLpnlLpbMvuG2WCyqQQzsbDivRA019IfXglEA9Tv7SOWee-kIH7s2RvEdZyM9bPH5UzHkm6mz4dq-cH9EOcrNyZnCb8oJue8U7rsO2lQhvkDu84xlTiByUy8/s1600/10376747_10152494165446913_3926918884222470419_n+(960x792).jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-game warm-up, hey look I am flying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ha5OW-DcfTMFioV85Dh3XbxpnIoMVQES3wgnCH5jUI_0BAOCRP9QckDtI6vIM37At4Izex4najcf8r8r-RhTRl0m6rUBpqohfPhZAyfn8yafh8dfF6plDu3VugIW_hMYHRLk03j37_kC/s1600/DSC00067+(1280x852).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ha5OW-DcfTMFioV85Dh3XbxpnIoMVQES3wgnCH5jUI_0BAOCRP9QckDtI6vIM37At4Izex4najcf8r8r-RhTRl0m6rUBpqohfPhZAyfn8yafh8dfF6plDu3VugIW_hMYHRLk03j37_kC/s1600/DSC00067+(1280x852).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such an awesome team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmP25p0oz1XxFxV57XVcp2PJNx8MUixQkFIL-5yQL1yUowQH4cBihKpdlTiCwRT7M4foLqDz7_jv8T4Zx2_BUigjBdP2p6hc5BG-pecImKQ5mSrBrqG0cGLY2DoAzYF4vlBMkPbPHVRLi6/s1600/DSC00534+(852x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmP25p0oz1XxFxV57XVcp2PJNx8MUixQkFIL-5yQL1yUowQH4cBihKpdlTiCwRT7M4foLqDz7_jv8T4Zx2_BUigjBdP2p6hc5BG-pecImKQ5mSrBrqG0cGLY2DoAzYF4vlBMkPbPHVRLi6/s1600/DSC00534+(852x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mind the frisbee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvqlykJ1r2Zm5_QytS8hZ9XBQ7owXBYd6drvd5lTv4_lM1kznHh4KEUfYu2zQ2E5tErzBWIeK_ffvChK8G_5mpgC5xtsl4c53fGD-0SPjCynL4LGnpf01flOXGVTno_a6_bFPXttidCKd/s1600/DSC00536+%25281280x852%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvqlykJ1r2Zm5_QytS8hZ9XBQ7owXBYd6drvd5lTv4_lM1kznHh4KEUfYu2zQ2E5tErzBWIeK_ffvChK8G_5mpgC5xtsl4c53fGD-0SPjCynL4LGnpf01flOXGVTno_a6_bFPXttidCKd/s1600/DSC00536+%25281280x852%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Block the frisbee with your life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77Nm9_herw6XpKZyUNi8F7csgLcUxPYA_1Bza5enD5lCxAfA0qIWrmBw3Bi1H-BOemmGmUgeysjnyt4zQ18aCjQ-dzpTAI2_VguVQpYFEPsVaMmBD0ZbfvPx8FmkX7LuxeTu1AN_2Bxrw/s1600/DSC00098+(852x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77Nm9_herw6XpKZyUNi8F7csgLcUxPYA_1Bza5enD5lCxAfA0qIWrmBw3Bi1H-BOemmGmUgeysjnyt4zQ18aCjQ-dzpTAI2_VguVQpYFEPsVaMmBD0ZbfvPx8FmkX7LuxeTu1AN_2Bxrw/s1600/DSC00098+(852x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh look, a sky diver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpF9XXHk-uZpVC8dfx1Nd09OKf7uYgJuOdKg7LYkNBNBEYYs9hu15LW3Q2XytSHoh-FQX3gAnzIU3uxqo9XNa3NNQHbDAye3RXxNKcH8cbf99PwQE61qfM8ZtKeCP3gZF5TTgtHS6U9Gx/s1600/DSC00581+(1280x852).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpF9XXHk-uZpVC8dfx1Nd09OKf7uYgJuOdKg7LYkNBNBEYYs9hu15LW3Q2XytSHoh-FQX3gAnzIU3uxqo9XNa3NNQHbDAye3RXxNKcH8cbf99PwQE61qfM8ZtKeCP3gZF5TTgtHS6U9Gx/s1600/DSC00581+(1280x852).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water is coming in, must be time for waterball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Nms08Z9gWKkmKq8Amx_el89KSn1V7-b2KdgIc3XAOLgM_Xkq26vL1gZaAA001Ic_g2Zu3xVE6QNdRDBEOQIqkQG4DUi62z5ZLzU-NPATOasYTcchs0lDM_Pb9QvZT3yPot2beT5KloX5/s1600/DSC00589+(1280x852).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Nms08Z9gWKkmKq8Amx_el89KSn1V7-b2KdgIc3XAOLgM_Xkq26vL1gZaAA001Ic_g2Zu3xVE6QNdRDBEOQIqkQG4DUi62z5ZLzU-NPATOasYTcchs0lDM_Pb9QvZT3yPot2beT5KloX5/s1600/DSC00589+(1280x852).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most amazing game I have ever played, the waves were epic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaDdw5PcNBAglDiibZGyZG0OAmMKqd_-OsoLhVS-nIUlpbYX5aIpTS3lE9f88aQkqtFN20f5B6bkePNyYorOn3cInMA8-RhmqJpXUwQKNvON0db8BKcK2qMbYkZaEn_4hZFqUKgLgNOzC/s1600/10342817_10152494501276913_7730259541709020238_n+(960x639).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaDdw5PcNBAglDiibZGyZG0OAmMKqd_-OsoLhVS-nIUlpbYX5aIpTS3lE9f88aQkqtFN20f5B6bkePNyYorOn3cInMA8-RhmqJpXUwQKNvON0db8BKcK2qMbYkZaEn_4hZFqUKgLgNOzC/s1600/10342817_10152494501276913_7730259541709020238_n+(960x639).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking wet but happy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeatdLliI-vGG7_bJJ-YBYZAe99smZam1G5vUfvAQ7yzeiceJWDQnTF7HPAsbeaEOXctjsZKfdFDdbsbYOnGzDXOHMylzP5WilK4QqiJzhkPzXREsPkboKMLv-YuLofamMWbCcL57Xjwa/s1600/10370359_10152494500761913_1837997249432860194_n+(960x639).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeatdLliI-vGG7_bJJ-YBYZAe99smZam1G5vUfvAQ7yzeiceJWDQnTF7HPAsbeaEOXctjsZKfdFDdbsbYOnGzDXOHMylzP5WilK4QqiJzhkPzXREsPkboKMLv-YuLofamMWbCcL57Xjwa/s1600/10370359_10152494500761913_1837997249432860194_n+(960x639).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samuel is going back in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzF6ZQmj-o1R6j9QnR0_9M3B5Pf0Ms2W0YgsfJJspGGIB7rcY1C133Q1ceyGa2uFr0VBXbhj2y-2ZxU0IzDZyOpGpWegqLt4hPfsmzgIb5DullQpcpKmjx55zjz7AplI_UxzVsJc-TQi4/s1600/DSC00025+(852x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzF6ZQmj-o1R6j9QnR0_9M3B5Pf0Ms2W0YgsfJJspGGIB7rcY1C133Q1ceyGa2uFr0VBXbhj2y-2ZxU0IzDZyOpGpWegqLt4hPfsmzgIb5DullQpcpKmjx55zjz7AplI_UxzVsJc-TQi4/s1600/DSC00025+(852x1280).jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXCJJu17xFj0HQ_bFUTQuII5wh5BooKoTOzd8UTRdKNXa9r_BWLW6foyM-C-FCOSSn2Xk-eebftcjPEtjC3QmcOGjgkdzot_viRlaRJ79F33thbW5ZehiwLLoALvDMFAv1hgA3aIKkkfK/s1600/DSC00005+(852x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXCJJu17xFj0HQ_bFUTQuII5wh5BooKoTOzd8UTRdKNXa9r_BWLW6foyM-C-FCOSSn2Xk-eebftcjPEtjC3QmcOGjgkdzot_viRlaRJ79F33thbW5ZehiwLLoALvDMFAv1hgA3aIKkkfK/s1600/DSC00005+(852x1280).jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We won the first boat race (beer drinking competition) so we were up against the refs for the final</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmK1cDm5NEsjXMwVgDyDl_cP5N6tlW7_M7dgSW45uyVaRa4aPVQ41kpZYoJfCNnQGOyIGRfRWgctBGb3_eV9JUIlJHmaH1rtoQwIgtzo7csb8wjwbh1Kp1D5H7bktY0XtVNVUd5Fr_Vnp/s1600/DSC00033+(1280x852).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmK1cDm5NEsjXMwVgDyDl_cP5N6tlW7_M7dgSW45uyVaRa4aPVQ41kpZYoJfCNnQGOyIGRfRWgctBGb3_eV9JUIlJHmaH1rtoQwIgtzo7csb8wjwbh1Kp1D5H7bktY0XtVNVUd5Fr_Vnp/s1600/DSC00033+(1280x852).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We won the boat race, twice, not sure if I should be proud about this or not</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDocTupBxUiekr5-zlQ5jEhxcv52bYzjBFmMFqYxWernOab208641eRhIiWIDp2bXntrcBjmvXb3SURPI-4xiG_v43f2tdwJXtW-aEOSxHOg2gtKnLzIx_FWdifzNGraVY5BGHqPCUVys/s1600/DSC00041+(1280x852).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDocTupBxUiekr5-zlQ5jEhxcv52bYzjBFmMFqYxWernOab208641eRhIiWIDp2bXntrcBjmvXb3SURPI-4xiG_v43f2tdwJXtW-aEOSxHOg2gtKnLzIx_FWdifzNGraVY5BGHqPCUVys/s1600/DSC00041+(1280x852).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2, time for a four way tug-of-war</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtgsJ429DlURMDtPfI-auoIT3H-r1IEzGqOVhSnn4RD9EbCAAHQqyC0flvAHTxJ4mSv9UrpKzWhUza_3iUOM9LozzgFinDWC-vtq3iiOvdEIZWYKdsVyBjMic7RkfdP0OTC9oojVsXqMf/s1600/1908021_10152496394441913_7818032088302839876_n+(960x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtgsJ429DlURMDtPfI-auoIT3H-r1IEzGqOVhSnn4RD9EbCAAHQqyC0flvAHTxJ4mSv9UrpKzWhUza_3iUOM9LozzgFinDWC-vtq3iiOvdEIZWYKdsVyBjMic7RkfdP0OTC9oojVsXqMf/s1600/1908021_10152496394441913_7818032088302839876_n+(960x640).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was great to watch the other teams struggling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOUuOna0Q14JJsKIZ7W2UwQ0WhMODutNcZL4GkRFcjeKdgJsVVrQRenn6jhlErgZe40W1bakS7L8OBaiwy30nSqAAGModnQcR5VUQackKYDJk5Qiv106DbXPuqxxcA3gHGlBL_3n2mmOp/s1600/DSC00044+(852x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOUuOna0Q14JJsKIZ7W2UwQ0WhMODutNcZL4GkRFcjeKdgJsVVrQRenn6jhlErgZe40W1bakS7L8OBaiwy30nSqAAGModnQcR5VUQackKYDJk5Qiv106DbXPuqxxcA3gHGlBL_3n2mmOp/s1600/DSC00044+(852x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2nd day started at 8am and two teams in our league did not show, so we had a traditional two way tug-of-war, which we won</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAReyt9tgYTR2hpJcUi8_gQ8G2pIoC_N3ydCBiUvkvKqAUZas5DaJQRrs9dD8KRB-RLYGg9EiU6guZU6kaqjeFJOFXKuV-mM7KHUqGahOeCZTldgVlNEL2HctRSKbvS4duv-ROKzDoReMF/s1600/DSC00053+(1280x852).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAReyt9tgYTR2hpJcUi8_gQ8G2pIoC_N3ydCBiUvkvKqAUZas5DaJQRrs9dD8KRB-RLYGg9EiU6guZU6kaqjeFJOFXKuV-mM7KHUqGahOeCZTldgVlNEL2HctRSKbvS4duv-ROKzDoReMF/s1600/DSC00053+(1280x852).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next was raft building, we were confident</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY2rt8ccGkf3IJEnfUNcQ67Qoot7gVaKJkSbyRoQoORWdoHTWVksgb_Csvs1-ZMi0roPbjSigARhP_q8dqrwGcCJzxhffPrm9lGMpOqa7pC5iajXDj_aoXe45RKCYC-BsCI5EEBRGBasV/s1600/DSC00049+%25281280x852%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY2rt8ccGkf3IJEnfUNcQ67Qoot7gVaKJkSbyRoQoORWdoHTWVksgb_Csvs1-ZMi0roPbjSigARhP_q8dqrwGcCJzxhffPrm9lGMpOqa7pC5iajXDj_aoXe45RKCYC-BsCI5EEBRGBasV/s1600/DSC00049+%25281280x852%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the raft before the action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW1TsubpXvypxd663f53JLUJM-w4KwbAEdoSoTURvzFFYOB7dP6DooijUGTo2iEUBgFOnv9wF1shYxJ-Me-bMqO7saGWF6GOTUePNn_xd9h-mNgOa68UDnKbJmadKXt-R-AeGTGFcN7hw/s1600/10373699_10152496391166913_3730300705255898999_n+(960x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW1TsubpXvypxd663f53JLUJM-w4KwbAEdoSoTURvzFFYOB7dP6DooijUGTo2iEUBgFOnv9wF1shYxJ-Me-bMqO7saGWF6GOTUePNn_xd9h-mNgOa68UDnKbJmadKXt-R-AeGTGFcN7hw/s1600/10373699_10152496391166913_3730300705255898999_n+(960x640).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't think this team (who are an engineering company) were taking the raft building too seriously</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiyfjxMCeFBDgoymp74hGYIjZXFfDiLN22VsSfI-CvYbRyb5C_8JXFCeV4ZSQNGQhrEKRhKqnYlA-51VtyLRoR0u-lqsoZF5nuu_n5Qlw7UkKJjEUtNZVAClf7zSTAUOsqtQtBb7pOXjl/s1600/DSC00090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiyfjxMCeFBDgoymp74hGYIjZXFfDiLN22VsSfI-CvYbRyb5C_8JXFCeV4ZSQNGQhrEKRhKqnYlA-51VtyLRoR0u-lqsoZF5nuu_n5Qlw7UkKJjEUtNZVAClf7zSTAUOsqtQtBb7pOXjl/s1600/DSC00090.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That was a tough event, and the raft survived</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx50m6E67m1qFZrLaRju7y4eM6mRCd-Su1aK1aUDKaSQYZ3BW5tWdY1nHH08_oQh9X5juWxorcQLcPcrQ0RTa6LBOBJ7walJ5_DTShBy9zgRXbHvfeNegAvfJsbxmUxT9kP3bvPdQaUV7D/s1600/DSC00097+(1280x852).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx50m6E67m1qFZrLaRju7y4eM6mRCd-Su1aK1aUDKaSQYZ3BW5tWdY1nHH08_oQh9X5juWxorcQLcPcrQ0RTa6LBOBJ7walJ5_DTShBy9zgRXbHvfeNegAvfJsbxmUxT9kP3bvPdQaUV7D/s1600/DSC00097+(1280x852).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tennisball was the final game and we rounded it off with a great win to come 1st and win more beer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jROTx01QJC8uFcanRIx5QQdyHOgukgfmnmJYWH2Y5ND7ihSOBGrYE6mJJ2JEIjiD8QDPhYM1OqylzLUng-LxnMCF7Pvy_aBhphBio6jjWq9EtFqjOr_MssZAVGg817hxpdRPlNyWWUDL/s1600/DSC00524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jROTx01QJC8uFcanRIx5QQdyHOgukgfmnmJYWH2Y5ND7ihSOBGrYE6mJJ2JEIjiD8QDPhYM1OqylzLUng-LxnMCF7Pvy_aBhphBio6jjWq9EtFqjOr_MssZAVGg817hxpdRPlNyWWUDL/s1600/DSC00524.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well deserved victory drink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
Also, lets not forget the real reason we all came together and that was to raise money (a fantastic KES 550,000 (£4000)) for the brilliant <a href="http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/">Kwale District Eye Center</a>. Started in 1993 by <a href="http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/people.html">Dr Helen Roberts</a> here are just a few facts about what they have done and why their work is so important:</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<br />
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Worldwide one person goes blind every five seconds.</span></span></b></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">One child goes blind every minute.</span></span></b></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Of the 45 million people who are completely blind, 90% live in the developing world.</span></span></b></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">In Kenya the rate of blindness is 10 times that of the western world.</span></span></b></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">One person in every hundred is totally blind, but 80% of this is preventable, over half is due to cataract.</span></span></b></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The ratio of ophthalmologists to the population in Kenya is in the region of 1 : 1 million and they are concentrated in the cities. In UK the ratio is around 1 : 70,000.</span></b></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Since 1993 the Kwale District Eye Center has helped:<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/uploads/1/5/7/2/15726354/5779647_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/uploads/1/5/7/2/15726354/5779647_orig.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children waiting for an eye test</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></b></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">72,000 patients registered at their base</span></b></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">320,000 patients seen in the field</span></b></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Over 30,000 eye operations</b></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.eyesforeastafrica.com/files/theme/bullet-content.png?871406); background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; list-style: none !important; margin: 3px 0px 13px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>In remote parts of Kenya 24,000 patients have been seen </b></span></li>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<br />
Photo credit - Andrea Donaldson and Forty Thieves Photographer.<br />
<br />
You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> on my Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Or on my facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disclaimer:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links
posted."</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-183640261640320042014-05-28T10:00:00.000+01:002014-05-28T10:00:01.123+01:00Access to environmental education must be part of a positive future for Virunga, its communities and wildlife.<div class="MsoNormal">
Virunga faces a new threat in the face of plans to drill for
oil in Africa’s oldest national park.
This beautiful region, which is so rich in natural resources and home to
no less than three taxa of great ape, enters a new and potentially devastating
phase.</div>
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Virunga and the communities that live there have endured
many periods of conflict. It is one of the most difficult places in the world
to be a Park Ranger, with 120 killed protecting the park and its wildlife and
civilians in recent years, and many more injured.</div>
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Around one third of the world’s last remaining mountain
gorillas live in Virunga and are themselves under threat, from habitat loss due
to illegal charcoal production and pressure for land, transmission of human
diseases, poaching, and snares for bush meat hunting, compounded by decades of
conflict.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglSn1HSfYxvri_YDSOTsfDQ02flzpWypyny69cje1VbcZZ19wq72kan-4PwsGoQ6zmoIyeJi4NW2GGNiFpR67Yhe6U5PF5YgKpX2KEJrcDt9Jc486SYXyyzv_G5ARHY4_feBvWCA6vrWM/s1600/Picture+1+AW+DSCF1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglSn1HSfYxvri_YDSOTsfDQ02flzpWypyny69cje1VbcZZ19wq72kan-4PwsGoQ6zmoIyeJi4NW2GGNiFpR67Yhe6U5PF5YgKpX2KEJrcDt9Jc486SYXyyzv_G5ARHY4_feBvWCA6vrWM/s1600/Picture+1+AW+DSCF1039.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Mountain gorillas at rest</span></td></tr>
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But conflict and exploitation should not be allowed to
define the park, which is so beautiful, rich and diverse. Here at Gearing up
for Gorillas (G4G), we believe that environmental education holds the key to
protecting Virunga in the long term and ensuring the critically endangered
mountain gorillas live there <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>unharmed for generations to
come.</div>
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That’s why G4G helped fund the school in Rumangabo, in the
national park, where many of the park rangers’ children now study. In 2012, we
also delivered a pedal powered cinema to Virunga, thanks to generous funding
from <a href="http://www.animalfriends.org.uk/">Animal Friends Insurance</a> and a partnership with Electric Pedals. Now
conservation films can be shown in remote schools with no electricity. The
first showing, at Rumangabo School, was greeted with great excitement and the
rangers called it “an awesome bit of kit”.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz4fpv9HuohO_nUtBmpMypOqOqiWRkNEfa33bwWpoJlI5aPL-KV22SSsbLJrQ-U9dR1wjBipJKW6hTaWTMC9DNybG6QpuzIbgdIaT3Qp4F5Q-nkBOLbl5DdL7tnxcL6uHEnKloTYF-_oz/s1600/Picture+3+PPC+Head+in+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz4fpv9HuohO_nUtBmpMypOqOqiWRkNEfa33bwWpoJlI5aPL-KV22SSsbLJrQ-U9dR1wjBipJKW6hTaWTMC9DNybG6QpuzIbgdIaT3Qp4F5Q-nkBOLbl5DdL7tnxcL6uHEnKloTYF-_oz/s1600/Picture+3+PPC+Head+in+hand.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children watching a pedal-powered cinema</td></tr>
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The next stage of the education programme is to open an
Environmental Education Centre in Virunga, which children from other
communities across the National Park can visit. The building has already been
constructed; the funding for a teacher and their training is secured, so just
the displays, equipment and resources are left to fund.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-EtGdwwEWMsvzP75c1wi25pvTgZAlOA6Bc2q6bJp1EfyBRsLYDOjKZQIL92_q5xpnEe5Z95lkZjHJu0Sv1e1MMhj2Kmv7ceZpX2Z_1vq_0Z_wn_9R9wgugV01G8UENHWr8mzfLzHOcVq/s1600/Picture+4+EEC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-EtGdwwEWMsvzP75c1wi25pvTgZAlOA6Bc2q6bJp1EfyBRsLYDOjKZQIL92_q5xpnEe5Z95lkZjHJu0Sv1e1MMhj2Kmv7ceZpX2Z_1vq_0Z_wn_9R9wgugV01G8UENHWr8mzfLzHOcVq/s1600/Picture+4+EEC.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The environmental education centre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Basic but interactive displays will be used to make the
Centre bright, colourful and engaging. The displays and activities will have
clear and simple messages that the children can have fun discovering.</div>
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Children visiting the Centre will be treated to a brief
visit to the orphan mountain gorilla facility, the Senkwekwe Centre (which G4G
also helped fund). Many of these children will not have seen a mountain gorilla
before, despite living in proximity to them. There will also be a web cam in
the Senkwekwe Centre to relay images back to the classroom.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vIVNfJW4ieuqQjKl-fZL3Uf7dq9r7LUo_n-OGl6ZqswiwRCZLiUdUdVITEISUtitRBnR8Qw4XcfWEa_gALZdWPVPVHrzzSn921TcNPvG5vtCEesA6wBZw5UfruBCCIzAWfF8RuCakfeF/s1600/Picture+2+Andre+and+Ndakasi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vIVNfJW4ieuqQjKl-fZL3Uf7dq9r7LUo_n-OGl6ZqswiwRCZLiUdUdVITEISUtitRBnR8Qw4XcfWEa_gALZdWPVPVHrzzSn921TcNPvG5vtCEesA6wBZw5UfruBCCIzAWfF8RuCakfeF/s1600/Picture+2+Andre+and+Ndakasi.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Andre and orphan gorilla Ndakasi at the Senkwekwe Centre</span></pre>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A visit will be a huge adventure for the children, and it is
hoped the knowledge that they gain will ensure the next generation of community
leaders will value the wildlife and biodiversity of the area and lead
conservation efforts of the future.</div>
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The kind of displays that you might see in the Centre could
include giant play cubes painted with wildlife scenery, gorillas, elephants or
hippos, and the colourful birds and flowers of Virunga; or perhaps an exhibit
allowing children to weigh themselves and compare their weight to a mountain
gorilla at various stages of development. The Centre will also feature
appropriate resources about the threats to the gorillas.</div>
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The intention is to take templates and designs out to
Virunga, and commission local craftsmen, who will make up displays from local
materials, all paid for by G4G. This will provide work for local carpenters and
ensure an immediate benefit to the local economy.</div>
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<br />
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Pictures, murals and displays for the walls, worksheets,
books and activities, stationary and other equipment will all be needed.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Article by Amanda Williams, photos used by the permission of Gearing up 4 Gorillas.</div>
<br />
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<b><i>Amanda Williams </i></b><i>is Environment & Energy Manager at Bournemouth University and a Trustee of Gearing up for Gorillas (G4G), the only UK charity focusing 100% on protecting the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Virunga National Park, DRC. The aim of the charity is to support the park rangers and vets, whose job is to protect the mountain gorillas, and their communities.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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You can get in touch and support G4G through the following channels:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3UpQheUmf1QgAL3u1WmojrTyWaOKXiOvPaACznN4tUI6SglFIuI_2htuNvwJ16E7iyvKulfPjkFp8wUHKuMpGI5kZbdFIrB4TfD7THXuYdzNHcRnfsggaemXAJoIFZlLBCk9IItAbhDK/s1600/Logo+g4g_col_www%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3UpQheUmf1QgAL3u1WmojrTyWaOKXiOvPaACznN4tUI6SglFIuI_2htuNvwJ16E7iyvKulfPjkFp8wUHKuMpGI5kZbdFIrB4TfD7THXuYdzNHcRnfsggaemXAJoIFZlLBCk9IItAbhDK/s1600/Logo+g4g_col_www%255B1%255D.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Gearing up for Gorillas (G4G)</div>
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87 Chapel Farm Cottages</div>
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<st1:street w:st="on">Gussage St</st1:street>
Andrew</div>
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Blandford Forum</div>
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<st1:place w:st="on">Dorset</st1:place> DT11 8DL</div>
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Tel: 01725 553149 / 07801 531205 </div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:linda@g4g.co.uk">linda@g4g.co.uk</a></div>
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Website: <a href="http://www.g4g.co.uk/">www.g4g.co.uk</a> </div>
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Twitter:
<a href="https://twitter.com/G4G_Gorillas">@G4G_Gorillas</a></div>
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GearingUp4Gorillas">https://www.facebook.com/GearingUp4Gorillas</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links
posted."</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-38808855199674883692014-05-25T07:00:00.000+01:002014-05-25T07:00:00.760+01:00Half way through my adventure in Kenya<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Well I have now been in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> for three months and this
marks the halfway point in my adventure with <a href="http://www.colobusconservation.org/">Colobus Conservation</a>. <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/kenya-one-month-on-journey-continues.html">Month one</a>
was all about new discoveries & experiences and <a href="http://www.lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/births-deaths-and-elephants.html">month two</a> gave me my first
experience of African elephants. If I had to give the third month a specific
theme it would be the endless power cuts and rainstorms.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazPGVmE0upCZwV_riLJLV1mE6xm5HzlYhux9qg1vmkbI241DbkBSZIXRGp0c3Kr4d4As5ysP6XcbOXrShmOB8S3ECm1CRvCtuyOhcsKLwqhH134lpViBRIan5ngkdtylYC41KFjn_-1ow/s1600/IMG_9677+(1280x819).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazPGVmE0upCZwV_riLJLV1mE6xm5HzlYhux9qg1vmkbI241DbkBSZIXRGp0c3Kr4d4As5ysP6XcbOXrShmOB8S3ECm1CRvCtuyOhcsKLwqhH134lpViBRIan5ngkdtylYC41KFjn_-1ow/s1600/IMG_9677+(1280x819).jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shalom to the half way point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For reasons not fully known to me we seem to be going
through a period where the power says “I can’t be bothered with all this rain I
am off”. After endless amounts of frustrating days not being able to use my
laptop for work, (and in the evening) candle burning (was great for monopoly
even if we did nearly set the game on fire), knocking into chairs/tables and
heating up food by blowing on it I think we are seeing the light at the end of
the tunnel; literally. Here is a great way to sum up what Kenya Power, and to a
larger extent life in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>,
is like. We had scheduled to have our power turned off between 9am – 12pm to do
some tree trimming work around the power lines the other day. Well the power
was cut at 10.30am and didn’t come back on till 5.45pm, typical, but you just
have to say Hakuna Matata (No Worries) and move on.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH1PAUDPnq4SzcU6toUpCt8rXgug-aLZ3Ml-ZIQH38FH-0QgmpEW_BCiQYRHNJYjCxiiSEWKLCqxUougNIZ3ovwZprJD2p3VeRHct-SLZm28gR2uTMhca28Xjq6W_E0xfaa39oWE6Jb1F/s1600/IMG_0562+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH1PAUDPnq4SzcU6toUpCt8rXgug-aLZ3Ml-ZIQH38FH-0QgmpEW_BCiQYRHNJYjCxiiSEWKLCqxUougNIZ3ovwZprJD2p3VeRHct-SLZm28gR2uTMhca28Xjq6W_E0xfaa39oWE6Jb1F/s1600/IMG_0562+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure this Sykes monkey is enjoying the rain either</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In other news this month I bought a pair of tailored, hand made
shorts in tradition African colours (black & green), and I am very happy
with them; they have pockets and everything. I watched the most stunning sunset
over Shimba Hills National Reserve with some Lion King re-enactment; while
seeing a herd of elephants in the far far far distance. The highlight (or more
accurately brown trouser moment) was when being driven back in the dark on dirt
roads and the driver would accidentally turn the lights out when switching from
low to high beams; he wasn't exactly going slowly either. I also helped to stop a Colobridge collapsing into the road, a Colobridge is built above the main road to allow monkeys to cross safely.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hoYlG9OH3QB08Vi_daIJtnJthUIwpzMMtr6gNk2pZPx0HJbtdN4WtF0AA3H-bwPDbeLDTf0JexSnz0fzohVEQ_jfdAG4j_Do6t0gbwbxJTrsct7mJSeb2U2DFPF-nkOqyyNwAypJaV3B/s1600/IMG_9095+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hoYlG9OH3QB08Vi_daIJtnJthUIwpzMMtr6gNk2pZPx0HJbtdN4WtF0AA3H-bwPDbeLDTf0JexSnz0fzohVEQ_jfdAG4j_Do6t0gbwbxJTrsct7mJSeb2U2DFPF-nkOqyyNwAypJaV3B/s1600/IMG_9095+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's the circle of life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiHOM7YzqoGgzCDgJlc9WWLFzI8b6C9-xUp1EpRqOgMSu-SOazh3rcDlzOpNozBE8VV1qy8zHWhQKYcv71uqbTEWQJOvmH4Gh2hppUYcEJ0qYOOQxwKAhrn17nF2CAuZXaoh6aw6K3VOB/s1600/IMG_9167+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiHOM7YzqoGgzCDgJlc9WWLFzI8b6C9-xUp1EpRqOgMSu-SOazh3rcDlzOpNozBE8VV1qy8zHWhQKYcv71uqbTEWQJOvmH4Gh2hppUYcEJ0qYOOQxwKAhrn17nF2CAuZXaoh6aw6K3VOB/s1600/IMG_9167+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun setting on another glorious day in Africa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYY831_pCqSiCjonEA2hOia0b1nH-IU4Wq3GDhGeqC503uxcG3wUJgnzhpnUuShaZdOUUrzJz3JLm0MBC7Az9wbG86d5chzKGDbxTlxSxe1XRHQL0YkqspIIO9T_WliBss4VOnwx364Ol/s1600/100_2664+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYY831_pCqSiCjonEA2hOia0b1nH-IU4Wq3GDhGeqC503uxcG3wUJgnzhpnUuShaZdOUUrzJz3JLm0MBC7Az9wbG86d5chzKGDbxTlxSxe1XRHQL0YkqspIIO9T_WliBss4VOnwx364Ol/s1600/100_2664+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, I have found the problem guys, it's falling over</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I got to know a lot more about the <a href="http://www.lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/one-of-biggest-monkeys-on-planet.html">yellow baboons</a>, and that
if you meet a large male half way up a ladder you suddenly get the power to
scale down quicker than previously thought possible. I also learnt more about
the <a href="http://www.lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/have-you-heard-about-green-monkey.html">Vervet monkeys</a> and watched some of the re-released ex-pets get their radio
collars removed; amazing what you can achieve with peanuts and sunflower seeds. You have also been <a href="http://www.lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/an-introduction-to-colobus-troop-1.html">introduced to one of the colobus troops</a> I am following and now know a bit more about them. No injuries to speak of yet although I was nipped on the ankle by a damn
Chiwawa that waited till I turned around before pouncing.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00-JxTSMnuanw5jRvzoH9goK93ZZT8T-RoznLslfXSJcJAWzdM_GWps0fmJ5qQI1JklaLtOvTyhPMG80-HuCbshmWz3gDZigo-ibJS0apRt_q3sNu1QMem3jRgCuJ769lrZXLhD8Pyx3X/s1600/IMG_0079+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00-JxTSMnuanw5jRvzoH9goK93ZZT8T-RoznLslfXSJcJAWzdM_GWps0fmJ5qQI1JklaLtOvTyhPMG80-HuCbshmWz3gDZigo-ibJS0apRt_q3sNu1QMem3jRgCuJ769lrZXLhD8Pyx3X/s1600/IMG_0079+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large male baboon that run up ladder as I was going down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJAK17uF_6PRein5OSWtr1CIZGZ2FKS8WI50jJ29ncSADvD9rEJx7OcaEQnJ9T2_AAhnCdia5WAI-wT2DcwPxvECwGDiQWj1r-MWojIzZPwD5YJS5GAXVcP3VTHCIhfvERcMO0fbvf32r/s1600/IMG_6307+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJAK17uF_6PRein5OSWtr1CIZGZ2FKS8WI50jJ29ncSADvD9rEJx7OcaEQnJ9T2_AAhnCdia5WAI-wT2DcwPxvECwGDiQWj1r-MWojIzZPwD5YJS5GAXVcP3VTHCIhfvERcMO0fbvf32r/s1600/IMG_6307+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Vervet now with his radio collar removed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Without doubt the highlight of the month was having the
opportunity to walk for elephants beside Jim Nyamu for his campaign “Ivory
belongs to elephants”. You can read about my full day out with him and see more
pictures, just <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/walking-for-elephants-to-save-elephants.html">click here</a>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vg1IisTRBBKElhDMVtQ1SW-OH0VO3ib2TptDvSTewcsms5ozLrzMekIRNViFxloAr7kRQoW4M6g4e3a-Q7ondzphsr9nZKWQFb6hbbuH4U25aSnMs1MkPGDfuJ_1YTztPNGR6wB-y5Nx/s1600/10273577_10152174331094092_4588114848227240425_n+%2528960x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vg1IisTRBBKElhDMVtQ1SW-OH0VO3ib2TptDvSTewcsms5ozLrzMekIRNViFxloAr7kRQoW4M6g4e3a-Q7ondzphsr9nZKWQFb6hbbuH4U25aSnMs1MkPGDfuJ_1YTztPNGR6wB-y5Nx/s1600/10273577_10152174331094092_4588114848227240425_n+%2528960x640%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking no matter what the weather</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZxPC0lJ4wIJgkjhAh9Cem62HXr43nD6KYzPuYyUbfP5OOYJCgs2iFlL_FKxOUQLZ2jao9z2mf7WYlvvRnZippOm2StdADX-IbmSI5AN_MKt7R8T4Pycr8rhHPmiGun6rPGyFs4eluakd/s1600/IMG_0040+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZxPC0lJ4wIJgkjhAh9Cem62HXr43nD6KYzPuYyUbfP5OOYJCgs2iFlL_FKxOUQLZ2jao9z2mf7WYlvvRnZippOm2StdADX-IbmSI5AN_MKt7R8T4Pycr8rhHPmiGun6rPGyFs4eluakd/s1600/IMG_0040+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drying off with Jim Nyamu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I am now fully settled in my life here and am wondering how
I will react when I see the prices of avocados and mango's back in <st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city>. Also, I have been
enjoying roasted corn on the cob done on the side of the road here for roughly
25p for a whole corn.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRMQ6My630u4nAXt9cwkMC4AJHshHBEqSvUZ7jTc6oW8i1K5AAjtTa-_cSASHDkzsTMgrk6auBunj5psxk18VYPrzEIVyn4IV6XL8SRI8W8_SoFg5d5Fn-6PgOSZX28lk8XgLyt0jgILT/s1600/IMG_9071+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRMQ6My630u4nAXt9cwkMC4AJHshHBEqSvUZ7jTc6oW8i1K5AAjtTa-_cSASHDkzsTMgrk6auBunj5psxk18VYPrzEIVyn4IV6XL8SRI8W8_SoFg5d5Fn-6PgOSZX28lk8XgLyt0jgILT/s1600/IMG_9071+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contemplating the beauty before me as the sun sets</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLASjv_1tjBtKrTOWGOyTEYYrSGmLKWh6vqyAi2Zh7uj0MdDq9FQ4yOxloYzk2IxV6OH2pifNurvnh_VHLkDq_7I64K-ocQXLniR60RV8QdnIUr2KVw0i7-WnzjwYUylHrpVCPBDxCUr-R/s1600/IMG_8306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLASjv_1tjBtKrTOWGOyTEYYrSGmLKWh6vqyAi2Zh7uj0MdDq9FQ4yOxloYzk2IxV6OH2pifNurvnh_VHLkDq_7I64K-ocQXLniR60RV8QdnIUr2KVw0i7-WnzjwYUylHrpVCPBDxCUr-R/s1600/IMG_8306.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the sun raise as I begin to follow a colobus troop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> on my Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
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Or on my facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
<br />
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"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links
posted."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-36186309973316600312014-05-19T11:54:00.001+01:002014-05-19T12:00:13.708+01:00An introduction to colobus troop 1<div class="MsoNormal">
My work in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>
involves me researching three wild troops of the <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-angolan-black-and-white-colobus.html">Angolan black and white colobus monkey</a>, to learn more about this nationally
threatened sub-species we have in Diani.<br />
<br />
I want to introduce them to you and today I give you colobus troop 1 (CT1):<br />
<br />
This troop has been studied for around three years now and is usually found
right around the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1798940725"></span>Colobus Conservation<span id="goog_1798940726"></span></a> site. They are extremely used
to humans and that means I can get rather close. They also come to ground a lot
more often than other troops, which is fun to watch and on occasions they have
run straight past me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hugo</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX7TXUQKZgNeHl3lzfAh-6O2ki-6Hj3e_iAIwLqd568TMjHcu3toSYAwktMW0DH5neFVUA0ffn3DQwwHOD72EXA4kxJ31mOrNSaSBQWmNRROsyq7jX5xXcMw0kZQ9EKtIb73LFZOCRAS_/s1600/Hugo+(853x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX7TXUQKZgNeHl3lzfAh-6O2ki-6Hj3e_iAIwLqd568TMjHcu3toSYAwktMW0DH5neFVUA0ffn3DQwwHOD72EXA4kxJ31mOrNSaSBQWmNRROsyq7jX5xXcMw0kZQ9EKtIb73LFZOCRAS_/s1600/Hugo+(853x1280).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hugo is the current alpha male of the troop who cannot be missed due to his
extremely puffy head of hair, and the large scar running from his mouth on the
right hand side of his face. He is a fairly calm leader who has to always be on
the lookout for intruders and threats to the troop. It doesn’t help that
another large male (Matata) has been on the fringe of the troop for a few
months now and likes to cause trouble. Fear not as Hugo is on hand though to
chase Matata away he comes to close to the infant of the troop.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Elewa</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQBYztt8ttdL_P0cJEuQFMAqS5VUwEFTHW7n7_9W4949Xr5wjSe932Si6WawGT4u94I4j0Fg1Rzc834ngnqnNbF_BvGqnyKWlQZm0Apm3TsSthbeWzAhvJBvV0vXciEU_P31r9QOgD6ls/s1600/Elewa+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQBYztt8ttdL_P0cJEuQFMAqS5VUwEFTHW7n7_9W4949Xr5wjSe932Si6WawGT4u94I4j0Fg1Rzc834ngnqnNbF_BvGqnyKWlQZm0Apm3TsSthbeWzAhvJBvV0vXciEU_P31r9QOgD6ls/s1600/Elewa+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of two adult females of the troop and often can be seen leading them to new
feeding spots for the day. She has two sons by the names Ewok and Elwood, the
former is closing in on two, but Elwood is only a few months old and both
require constant attention. Lately Elewa has been spending a lot of time with
Matata and largely ignoring Elwood. Perhaps she is trying to hedge her bets in
case Matata overthrows Hugo as alpha male, who knows? One thing we do know
is that someone has to take on the responsibility of looking after Elwood; and
that someone is Dogo.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Dogo</span></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR_k91NJRpSHP9mniqAORK1SrHL6wozayp9Knxx2VGfdvg1f6GrN2rgOxV1GC_8J495-NaX_9kxu9sp1eSTaLWmfke0E0_FoQnMyTX3AN2dzoAKeIK3GflsFmbj2xfpZiPhaalfwMunsO/s1600/Dogo+%2526+Elwood+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR_k91NJRpSHP9mniqAORK1SrHL6wozayp9Knxx2VGfdvg1f6GrN2rgOxV1GC_8J495-NaX_9kxu9sp1eSTaLWmfke0E0_FoQnMyTX3AN2dzoAKeIK3GflsFmbj2xfpZiPhaalfwMunsO/s1600/Dogo+%2526+Elwood+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Dogo is the other adult female of the troop and unlike Elewa is a strong mother
who stands for no nonsense. As well as now taking care of the infant Elwood she
also has two daughters herself, Duara and Dolly; and the latter (being only 1)
still suckles and wants to snuggle up. Dogo certainly has her hands full, but
she gets through as both her daughters are becoming more independent and
lend a hand when they can.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Scarface</span></div>
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<br />
<br />
His name arose due to having a small scar running down from his mouth on the
left side of his face. He got this scar before Hugo got his and that is
why Scarface got the name. A much smaller male than Hugo, Scarface spends his
time socialising and playing with the younger members of the troop. He, like
Hugo, has a bouffant hair style that is easy to recognise, or just look
for the adult playing and acting like a kid. Currently he has joined colobus
troop 2 (CT2), perhaps to try and take it over. He sits on the fringe and gets
chased away by the alpha male and one female when he wonders too close; but he
usually returns within 10-15 minutes. I am monitoring his progress and will bring
you updates as and when events materialise.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chip</span></div>
<br />
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<br />
<br />
The prodicle son returns! Chip (a sub-adult male) went missing back in early
February and we feared the worst, but he appeared about a month ago and is now
back with his natal troop. In colobus society the males do go off to form
new (or take over existing) groups, and this is what we suspect has happened,
only it wasn’t successful so he has returned; for now. Like Scarface, Chip
enjoys playing with the younger troop members and will often instigate play by
tugging on the hair on the top of Duara’s, Ewok’s, Kifungo’s or Dolly’s head.
Will Chip stay a while or leave soon, stay tuned to find out.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Duara</span></div>
<br />
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<br />
<br />
A three year old female, she is well on her way to becoming a full adult, but
still has a lot of learning to do. Duara is easy to spot as she constantly
sucks on her finger (colobus do not have thumbs), a trait she picked up from
Betsy (link here). Duara is always up for playing, but can also help her
mother, Dogo, out with Elwood when she needs a break. She seems to also be
spending more time near Matata, but not nearly as much as Elewa.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Kifungo</span></div>
<br />
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<br />
<br />
The son of Kinky Tail (missing), this little (2 year old) male loves getting up
to trouble. Always wanting to play, I have seen him chase Hornbills (several
times his size) and even ducks; because sometimes a colobus just won’t do.
He is never too far away from Ewok and they love to sneak off together and
stuff their faces full of Flamboyant and Bourganvillia flower. Kifungo also
loves to be near Elwood and see what he is up to and make sure he is safe.
Unfortunately Kifungo was involved in a road traffic accident earlier this
year, but was patched up by Colobus Conservation and sent on his way
within a day; he does walk slightly differently now. What future awaits this
cheeky little chap?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ewok</span></div>
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Only a few months younger than Kifungo, Ewok has a smaller face and a flatter
top of head, like a freshly mowed lawn. He is becoming my favourite member of
the troop (sshh don’t tell the others) and not just because of the obvious Star
Wars connection. Ewok, like Kifungo, loves to play and can often be heard
rolling about in the leaves high in the canopy. He is a soft natured soul and
can be easily spooked, sometimes by other colobus monkeys suddenly jumping
nearby. Will he grow up to be strong like Hugo?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Dolly</span></div>
<br />
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The youngest female of the group (just over 1) and
definitely the fluffiest, Dolly often looks like she has just come out of the
tumble dryer. Easily recognisable with her large, fluffy white hair on the sides
of her face; often accompanied by a pollen coloured beard and face. She likes
to be close to Dogo (mother) and is even still suckling, which is strange for
her age. When everyone is snoozing she desperately tries to get very close to
Dogo and cries will follow if she does not get her way; or another try with
Elewa. Dolly even tries to help out with carrying Elwood, but being half her
size it is quite a scary spectacle to watch.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Elwood</span></div>
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Born January 2014, little Elwood is growing up fast and now showing his full
black and white colobus colours; colobus
babies are born white. He requires constant attention with feeding and being
carried, but the little guy is becoming more and more adventurous. He can be seen
up to 3 meters away from his carer, jumping around and exploring. This has
lead to him falling to the forest floor no less than 3 times (one close to my
head), but he just springs back up and cries for help; which he soon gets.
Elwood is now starting to try the leaves around him as he progresses from milk
to solids. A big future awaits Elwood, we will keep you posted.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Matata</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Finally we come to troublesome Matata who is sitting on the fringe of the group
perhaps waiting for the right moment to try and take it over from Hugo. You
can read about him <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/hence-forth-you-shall-be-known-as.html">here when I wrote about giving him a name.</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNQSA92PDe8Jldr2X0zVPxOOIaNEA3cBPRFhm6ez6u-O3p-J528L6c2uRJ0i-c0DwV78McIhOh9L6S4MyHTelF9Z-PBnziau7neBld6XqxBaV3baGthXgdvZIILmAdWFv-zRYJkyvW-jd/s1600/Ewok+%2526+Kifungo+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNQSA92PDe8Jldr2X0zVPxOOIaNEA3cBPRFhm6ez6u-O3p-J528L6c2uRJ0i-c0DwV78McIhOh9L6S4MyHTelF9Z-PBnziau7neBld6XqxBaV3baGthXgdvZIILmAdWFv-zRYJkyvW-jd/s1600/Ewok+%2526+Kifungo+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ewok & Kifungo playing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAKu_i1EMBoI1kAOcP6lEFEfxaqjDNPneYPfTK2mWtS54Ho-5IfxkYCgWCNJYKn6JBeXmTrQvh8oI2sJmpE3DwMs8CwIupC6Bx398mix-sAl6EK3BoAeRgA4400-O1ywTD1dbfa72Yz-O/s1600/CT1+on+roof+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAKu_i1EMBoI1kAOcP6lEFEfxaqjDNPneYPfTK2mWtS54Ho-5IfxkYCgWCNJYKn6JBeXmTrQvh8oI2sJmpE3DwMs8CwIupC6Bx398mix-sAl6EK3BoAeRgA4400-O1ywTD1dbfa72Yz-O/s1600/CT1+on+roof+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colobus troop 1 resting on a rooftop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You have now been introduced to colobus troop 1; look out for more information about
them on my facebook page listed below. I will write about the other two groups
I follow in the near future.<br />
<br />
You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> on my Flickr page -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a><br />
Or </div>
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On my Facebook page - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a><br />
<br />
Disclaimer:<br />
<br />
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog
(except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any
organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos
are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other
photos are used. If they are your photos and you would like them removed please
just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and
written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable
for any content accessed through links posted."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-63341506140085492782014-05-13T19:21:00.000+01:002014-05-14T06:27:18.207+01:00Walking for elephants to save elephants<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently had the fabulous opportunity to walk alongside
Jim Nyamu, executive director of the <a href="http://www.elephantneighborscenter.org/">Elephant Neighbours Center</a>
in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nairobi</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region></st1:place> to raise awareness of the
need to conserve elephants and their habitats. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Jim has been walking for elephants for over 3 years and in
that time has racked up a fair few miles in different countries around the world.
This includes a 50 day walk of 1000 miles through <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>
and a 510 mile walk from <st1:city w:st="on">Boston</st1:city> to <st1:city w:st="on">Washington</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">D.C.</st1:state> in <st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region>. His
latest walk is from the south coast to the north coast of <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place>, an impressive 375km over 15
days.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4PGO2T_y08j41lonIO_KYjFuHpTc5NiX_qR17uR8JC9_inknxt_9ZDKJCOkQeaoyZsziUXXcitqtK7BHbbGqjDEIk8Vi6zApd0hdMVYeVhrkFl9EAa7M8VM6NqywuJHtCtZTY7L3iXf8/s1600/IMG_9902+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4PGO2T_y08j41lonIO_KYjFuHpTc5NiX_qR17uR8JC9_inknxt_9ZDKJCOkQeaoyZsziUXXcitqtK7BHbbGqjDEIk8Vi6zApd0hdMVYeVhrkFl9EAa7M8VM6NqywuJHtCtZTY7L3iXf8/s1600/IMG_9902+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starting point at Shimba Hills National Reserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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The day started in the county capital Kwale where there were
local schools singing songs and reciting poems about the need to conserve
elephants. Speeches then followed from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the
county commissioner and Jim who at one point said <i>“if we don’t act now future conservationists will only be able to be
managers of Mosquitoes.”</i> With that
over we got under way around 10am with the sky’s looking grey, but the people
looking full of optimism.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGlsVic7WsQkRPYwEXHj4u1amhTGlWB1zYH1lYvcOH_d6z7kOvhk-GPJnMDw_FYE9sMRumyEp9neQEDI4rdw4CvLYxjrdGgLcsPYFizmHk2v19ttorbqzKTnxqBUCWdXQyO4SH3YH6uC5/s1600/IMG_9923+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGlsVic7WsQkRPYwEXHj4u1amhTGlWB1zYH1lYvcOH_d6z7kOvhk-GPJnMDw_FYE9sMRumyEp9neQEDI4rdw4CvLYxjrdGgLcsPYFizmHk2v19ttorbqzKTnxqBUCWdXQyO4SH3YH6uC5/s1600/IMG_9923+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School children about to start singing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFldifutBa-7SbcG5OIhhwsup5CynYu2BP5jjyEDIuvez-Pd8WP_B-Mb6ODHerqGu5SSPBzZmkLzm1S3xy_2cPQbc9GrMPO-FbsA1_tW-HtUG0VTdhWKclCYS7GsklbYVo9taFk7Rt_4gg/s1600/IMG_9942+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFldifutBa-7SbcG5OIhhwsup5CynYu2BP5jjyEDIuvez-Pd8WP_B-Mb6ODHerqGu5SSPBzZmkLzm1S3xy_2cPQbc9GrMPO-FbsA1_tW-HtUG0VTdhWKclCYS7GsklbYVo9taFk7Rt_4gg/s1600/IMG_9942+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The man himself Jim Nyamu giving his opening speech</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mhrUeCPHUScDuLLrvQLMytcn9rpmMW4jQ1einZQgNasik4qc8fpUZdKoTJ-JBg1T4jxO3TxRA6cRuMcMqFqDFOFTsh8-2YjfqSlX_kIc6Jeq-7gyOLxt3f71lwpczklfDvF-4Xb8p7IY/s1600/IMG_9970+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mhrUeCPHUScDuLLrvQLMytcn9rpmMW4jQ1einZQgNasik4qc8fpUZdKoTJ-JBg1T4jxO3TxRA6cRuMcMqFqDFOFTsh8-2YjfqSlX_kIc6Jeq-7gyOLxt3f71lwpczklfDvF-4Xb8p7IY/s1600/IMG_9970+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walk begins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure enough within an hour we had some rain, but nothing too
bad and the scenery of walking in the Kenyan countryside was truly amazing.
Every village we passed Jim gave a speech to the community and it seemed to
grab most people’s attention. It was especially fun to watch the
schoolchildren, some as young as 4/5, in their bare feet walking/running with
us chanting “meno ni ya tembo” or “Ivory belongs to elephants”; which is the
name of Jim’s campaign.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jzudKRjAJxyHzLXv8-qoQnGBdOSdejCC1ZeaWWJ_nA3xM_LLFTpjNVVOa8nJW_PNjJMoMIJk0xmsXhnHYvfYJ16Gg1mt1aXHkoQolHzJE88-deA2ZNVPq4npj_s6Y_cuQ21PexNWKFVP/s1600/IMG_0013+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jzudKRjAJxyHzLXv8-qoQnGBdOSdejCC1ZeaWWJ_nA3xM_LLFTpjNVVOa8nJW_PNjJMoMIJk0xmsXhnHYvfYJ16Gg1mt1aXHkoQolHzJE88-deA2ZNVPq4npj_s6Y_cuQ21PexNWKFVP/s1600/IMG_0013+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping in a local village to speak with the community</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9oM5oiQU0JzqDWb7FiHuF_g47EOllpxIjQ9M_ntnKfzilpQgzvc5Qh4rHahVdnBYilKe8N3WmWGOuVyYVC_gx53RclU5OPN9kKGVuYyjzYdVwSGbjsbznr1ZHP0-zUiOjaftyPV7E6h9/s1600/IMG_0021+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9oM5oiQU0JzqDWb7FiHuF_g47EOllpxIjQ9M_ntnKfzilpQgzvc5Qh4rHahVdnBYilKe8N3WmWGOuVyYVC_gx53RclU5OPN9kKGVuYyjzYdVwSGbjsbznr1ZHP0-zUiOjaftyPV7E6h9/s1600/IMG_0021+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim addresses a couple of schools and onlookers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNxxwVWy7YuXA8PFykqI3cA__wmb2LVY3MtZjVTMrVCpKgNjrrDm7OF1IUxoKQRlAvImva8N4RxbL8C8TnQDtEy8T7JVBxHEBTuTM-KZuyJeDRbGnkolK_uRlCTwf7tJMYhh4WPsuFr47/s1600/IMG_9994+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNxxwVWy7YuXA8PFykqI3cA__wmb2LVY3MtZjVTMrVCpKgNjrrDm7OF1IUxoKQRlAvImva8N4RxbL8C8TnQDtEy8T7JVBxHEBTuTM-KZuyJeDRbGnkolK_uRlCTwf7tJMYhh4WPsuFr47/s1600/IMG_9994+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim will use anything to get his message across</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After walking (and partly driving) for three hours we
reached the main road to Ukunda (large local town) where we grew in number and
marched on to the center. This time the rain came down hard, but we whipped out
the rain gear (if we had it) and soldiered on; nothing was going to bring our
spirits down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1JxWM02A8iqroCmLJakamsYXnvUMhTKud5elP277TDpfdT2ZUBXMRXZw0oe-qNAwMnvbIfUCOoAhSMQZ7tF6C6P8l9L39Lv9b6hXFnM8-uM8pWuGf86DNSuLNloZSWxWvD1iFi3zjHcR/s1600/IMG_0024+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1JxWM02A8iqroCmLJakamsYXnvUMhTKud5elP277TDpfdT2ZUBXMRXZw0oe-qNAwMnvbIfUCOoAhSMQZ7tF6C6P8l9L39Lv9b6hXFnM8-uM8pWuGf86DNSuLNloZSWxWvD1iFi3zjHcR/s1600/IMG_0024+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud to be walking beside Jim and co</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrmYyX6-CgzhPtz9OASJtaniclVcBmMa4VAqMWM6xmKqTE2Uim_ocBUKlNpWvncTk5SUEZOnAyxvTSqc_RQzEjSODaGGjGPAN7e7PZJiO5BHYaNVyBeYTRD_wXGQHuyfk1m5NELOBEgpO/s1600/10273577_10152174331094092_4588114848227240425_n+%2528960x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrmYyX6-CgzhPtz9OASJtaniclVcBmMa4VAqMWM6xmKqTE2Uim_ocBUKlNpWvncTk5SUEZOnAyxvTSqc_RQzEjSODaGGjGPAN7e7PZJiO5BHYaNVyBeYTRD_wXGQHuyfk1m5NELOBEgpO/s1600/10273577_10152174331094092_4588114848227240425_n+%2528960x640%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will not be deterred no matter what you throw at us<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Credit to Jim Nyamu and his media team for the photo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After walking for the better part of an hour we reached the
main town center with cars and motorbikes hooting and carried on to the WWF
Kenya office. There we were welcomed by a short play from a local theatre
school about the penalties of poaching elephants, some closing speeches and a
round of applause. This concluded the main part of the day so Jim, his team and
we took shelter in the office and I got to find out more about the man behind
the walks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKgetBsnwwefOZptpqFJhF8sYuk08ZJih1b7g_T6gWtGpQgIYxhPo3t50wXKdwYK1ilI-0QBxOlCFl8JklKmdVH4U4outQ5fThdBZrSWjDZPnBYe5JeEUCQL19IQ5zq9AZYtFndhVSdkP/s1600/IMG_0040+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKgetBsnwwefOZptpqFJhF8sYuk08ZJih1b7g_T6gWtGpQgIYxhPo3t50wXKdwYK1ilI-0QBxOlCFl8JklKmdVH4U4outQ5fThdBZrSWjDZPnBYe5JeEUCQL19IQ5zq9AZYtFndhVSdkP/s1600/IMG_0040+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the big man Jim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Q. What got you interested in starting this movement to save elephants?</div>
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<br /></div>
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A.<i>“I have worked with elephants for over 17 years, first working as a research </i><i>scientist with the KWS and then heading up the elephant programmes with </i><i>the African Conservation Center. I decided to resign in 2011 to </i><i>dedicate myself to walking and raising awareness of the plight of elephants.”</i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I only realised after hearing Jim speak that we could loose
elephants in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>
in as little as ten years. One elephant is killed around the world every 15 minutes.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Q. What are your aims for this walk?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A.<i> “I have three main aims I wish to achieve:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>1. Raise awareness of the effects of elephant poaching not only on elephants, but the wider environment like the effect to the habitats.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>2. Raise awareness of the new wildlife act in Kenya which means if you are found with ivory on your property, regardless as to how it got there, you face life imprisonment or 20 million Ksh.</i></div>
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<i>3. To engage the local communities and schools in the importance of conservation for the future.”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Q. How do you feel today has gone in terms of achieving those aims?</div>
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<br /></div>
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A. <i>“I am very impressed with how today has gone and feel it is the best start to any walk I have ever done. When I started walking in 2011 I only had a handful of people with me, today I believe I have interacted with over 1000 people, 17 schools joined us and hundreds walked. The children’s reactions and enjoyment was obvious and very delightful to see. People already believe in protecting and saving the elephants for our future.”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Q. Dare I ask what is next once this walk is finished?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A. <i>“Another walk of course. Next month I am walking in Kenya from Nanyuki to Nyahururu, a distance of 201km. Then in July I am going back to the USA to do an 800 mile walk across California. I have chosen America as I feel they need to know about the plight of the elephants in Kenya and to correct current misconceptions. For example, did you know a lot of people believe you can harvest elephant tusks like deer antlers, where they simply fall off at the end of a season? People just don’t realise you have to kill the elephant to get the tusks. Also, I am planning to come to London, England later in the year to do my first walk there; I hope to see you.”</i></div>
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With that I left knowing Jim will be out again tomorrow and
the next day and the next simply walking and talking about why we must protect
elephants, not simply because we enjoy looking at them, but as the most
powerful species on this planet we have a responsibility to look after the
rest. Without nature we are nothing.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b9pBqE7-3fB2LB8Ij1C4KENvRypRstsX6cXUI8mzXOj9AM0ymswpNdOvugH-ZVel6XWET5xSWbDAQdgzHii7b4-zQ3pYRDxPpVJlkhk5AsSe4KUQt6ic-vnEVya5acHxnT3ZeRux_Elb/s1600/10277403_10152174333274092_2297409137812117974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b9pBqE7-3fB2LB8Ij1C4KENvRypRstsX6cXUI8mzXOj9AM0ymswpNdOvugH-ZVel6XWET5xSWbDAQdgzHii7b4-zQ3pYRDxPpVJlkhk5AsSe4KUQt6ic-vnEVya5acHxnT3ZeRux_Elb/s1600/10277403_10152174333274092_2297409137812117974_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking until elephants are saved<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Credit to Jim Nyamu and his media team for the photo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Follow Jim’s work:</div>
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W: <a href="http://www.elephantneighborscenter.org/">http://www.elephantneighborscenter.org</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElephantNeighborsCenter">https://www.facebook.com/ElephantNeighborsCenter</a></div>
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T: <complete id="goog_602666502">@elephantneigbor</complete></div>
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E: info@elephantneighborscenter.org<br />
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You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> on my Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Or on my facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links
posted."</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-55982807095539955692014-05-08T12:42:00.001+01:002014-05-09T19:31:11.172+01:00Have you heard about the green monkey living in Africa?The Vervet or ‘African green monkey’ (Cercopithecus aethiops), Tumbili in Swahili is next up in my series of primates living in Diani. A very common sight in Diani, like the <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/youve-heard-about-elmo-from-sesame.html">Sykes</a> and <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/one-of-biggest-monkeys-on-planet.html">Baboons</a> they come into daily human conflict, and can be considered pests over their opportunistic stealing of human food.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulVZTh2eG4RXdkfcGG4u6Y87GzkgmoxIychKCDnVn8vHWdoiOqho0a5iI_HnXOukUf9zLxWWFljQAwf2SOlbF2gxCjJBUbX0yNseh_pOz9CZ0UlWtdi7C-taqYplwNWUBm58FiDzVS5TX/s1600/IMG_6307+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulVZTh2eG4RXdkfcGG4u6Y87GzkgmoxIychKCDnVn8vHWdoiOqho0a5iI_HnXOukUf9zLxWWFljQAwf2SOlbF2gxCjJBUbX0yNseh_pOz9CZ0UlWtdi7C-taqYplwNWUBm58FiDzVS5TX/s1600/IMG_6307+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Vervet monkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Distribution:</u><br />
<div>
The Vervet is a very versatile monkey able to adapt and survive in a wide range of habitats including savannah, woodland, riverine, lake-shore and coastal forests; although they normally don’t inhabit heavily forested areas or very open grasslands. They are widely distributed through Africa south of the Sahara desert and across Kenya; even in Nairobi. Vervets are equally at home on the ground and in the trees, which obviously aids their ability to adapt to different environments. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz-zHTug9-fQ8JavAIHeis97ta6F2RsxxtlZcE0Do4sjg3LQx1rdkYwCgtkD0YmxEQLYaNKzmotUvTe19Mb70fd-i_yK4-FD72-mLi_cmrwJYFWxYzXVflFCdIyUasCEDpuvPg9-EqGr2/s1600/IMG_6901+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz-zHTug9-fQ8JavAIHeis97ta6F2RsxxtlZcE0Do4sjg3LQx1rdkYwCgtkD0YmxEQLYaNKzmotUvTe19Mb70fd-i_yK4-FD72-mLi_cmrwJYFWxYzXVflFCdIyUasCEDpuvPg9-EqGr2/s1600/IMG_6901+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vervets in an open grassland environment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Anatomy:</u> </div>
<div>
They are mainly a grey-brown colour with white under parts and a white fringed black face, long whitish cheek whiskers, white brow, black feet (like they walked in paint) and a black tip to their tail. Interestingly males have a light blue scrotum, red penis and red peri-anus and weigh around 4 to 6kg, measuring 40 to 60cm when adult. Where as the females weigh around 2 to 5kg and measure 30 to 50cm. The female breast can often have a bluish tinge to them. Infants have similar, but lighter colouration than adults, the most obvious difference being their lighter, pinkish faces. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aHJFzR79GPFcx8AHiHdnYFVMkcwsps-gABh0niAOyeJq0D3b4Dlnlvd54sfbesQdT5oZ1oeYKiBAWMn4W9p0ZCDIxMBlkvNjQjWBFW3wpRW1xhS5EnrP-PXO76WcEGxpZFGEQxD82w-X/s1600/IMG_6896+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aHJFzR79GPFcx8AHiHdnYFVMkcwsps-gABh0niAOyeJq0D3b4Dlnlvd54sfbesQdT5oZ1oeYKiBAWMn4W9p0ZCDIxMBlkvNjQjWBFW3wpRW1xhS5EnrP-PXO76WcEGxpZFGEQxD82w-X/s1600/IMG_6896+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A female Vervet monkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuVR1wkXDQVU5f5vWaLiFLN0-B8XlgrGdmbrwQOrpqiH_QmoMhJoZR1XNBRL1XqMA952x08V_k-EmFZZdDPMFAMrdFUNrHrGUVv9DsH0x19es93iLJXES2CAhje4VSmSuztNMBexr_mlq/s1600/IMG_6949+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuVR1wkXDQVU5f5vWaLiFLN0-B8XlgrGdmbrwQOrpqiH_QmoMhJoZR1XNBRL1XqMA952x08V_k-EmFZZdDPMFAMrdFUNrHrGUVv9DsH0x19es93iLJXES2CAhje4VSmSuztNMBexr_mlq/s1600/IMG_6949+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baby Vervet showing the slight pinkness still in his face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23sanhGicvBCF9xyBbufkXZlsjtuG_oJNwF8o8m5rI2apkj2BwE0qYbcDV7gU7U4j5BKD4TvP4T6wveWJ_IU1d73BcOiGtocKTrvx28h1gj6TzBsWA0E2YmHbp-gb08iNbQpvElKCAVQO/s1600/IMG_8296+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23sanhGicvBCF9xyBbufkXZlsjtuG_oJNwF8o8m5rI2apkj2BwE0qYbcDV7gU7U4j5BKD4TvP4T6wveWJ_IU1d73BcOiGtocKTrvx28h1gj6TzBsWA0E2YmHbp-gb08iNbQpvElKCAVQO/s1600/IMG_8296+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue scrotum of a Vervet male</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<u>Diet: </u></div>
<div>
Vervets are omnivorous and like the Sykes are opportunistic feeders (like with human food). Their main diet is made up of flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, bark, gum, eggs, insects and small invertebrates. They will take human food and can be dangerous when tourists feed them. </div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n_rrE7Ar6wExJTBkaEvFqMj8I2Ff4q9N3tSd-4RLbew6uCl8btFfHb_OhAFkv5H754ZUxz1_j2WgPfrnMWWt-wsHmz6l4yjMxF7nyCWKURMhnYPOnqeyVFbM8IjgkrQ7lEAjqPCbnqSU/s1600/IMG_7593+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n_rrE7Ar6wExJTBkaEvFqMj8I2Ff4q9N3tSd-4RLbew6uCl8btFfHb_OhAFkv5H754ZUxz1_j2WgPfrnMWWt-wsHmz6l4yjMxF7nyCWKURMhnYPOnqeyVFbM8IjgkrQ7lEAjqPCbnqSU/s1600/IMG_7593+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Social Structure: </u></div>
<div>
The group size is usually between 20-30 individuals with a linear dominance hierarchy among males and a kinship relationship among females. The Vervets have been documented to some complex communications that can be different for certain situations and getting different responses in return. For example, alarm calls for aerial predators differ from alarm calls from snakes (on the ground) – requiring the Vervets to look in different places for danger. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflNSQY56aydAknWc4eMWi7t6ADzc3dymic4U102CB4bC7cHM1tiWX2kxAgdF-lA4blQdptG4bkSPVeTXnRJUyAKqLDDOeNiQJ4qcKaJBzH17UJKH82R929wYA1BWbat-WR3me1OMwcZXP/s1600/IMG_6921+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflNSQY56aydAknWc4eMWi7t6ADzc3dymic4U102CB4bC7cHM1tiWX2kxAgdF-lA4blQdptG4bkSPVeTXnRJUyAKqLDDOeNiQJ4qcKaJBzH17UJKH82R929wYA1BWbat-WR3me1OMwcZXP/s1600/IMG_6921+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group of Vervets investigating someones garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ehxfCAodXjLQjoaLfw0YbJNgk-IAyMQIDc9xmSZzARYOu25kYqjsW28ywzx7d_T1_IbDIbQl_wjHZR5HeHQyyWV26WnEyGqksChOFPSEuEV9e77q5zKLcpU-y6mPOR1pBzrgr8QTc-Vw/s1600/IMG_6928+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ehxfCAodXjLQjoaLfw0YbJNgk-IAyMQIDc9xmSZzARYOu25kYqjsW28ywzx7d_T1_IbDIbQl_wjHZR5HeHQyyWV26WnEyGqksChOFPSEuEV9e77q5zKLcpU-y6mPOR1pBzrgr8QTc-Vw/s1600/IMG_6928+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grooming is an essential part of bonding and cleaning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Monkeys as pests: </u></div>
<div>
With the exception of the colobus the other monkeys in Diani, are opportunistic feeders, taking what food they can when they can, and will raid crops or steal food from kitchens in homes or hotels. Some local residents have appalling methods to deter these individuals: from throwing paint over them to stoning them or using bows and arrows. </div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXgjQ2WyjEL8oimVjDJwcL6a69K4uRur5V0XBgKU5B7l2hiUb6xMPBcKM_aAYLyewFQvjak75CY8pGywL0IH-TEvwasJxBb4MwV08cjsfF8jxpfu9Yc8Gg7_nPh2GMcOXqrm9uhMa01Ug/s1600/IMG_8935+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXgjQ2WyjEL8oimVjDJwcL6a69K4uRur5V0XBgKU5B7l2hiUb6xMPBcKM_aAYLyewFQvjak75CY8pGywL0IH-TEvwasJxBb4MwV08cjsfF8jxpfu9Yc8Gg7_nPh2GMcOXqrm9uhMa01Ug/s1600/IMG_8935+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although small in size they are not short on aggresion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<br />
This human-wildlife conflict is made worse when well meaning individuals giving monkeys food – as the monkeys come to associate humans with food. Men can generally rebuff monkeys who may approach them, but women and children are at risk of being bitten when they refuse to give monkeys food. </div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGARDhkyz6P0sD_LYpZMlV2DEydgU5wUtB44D_FDnfIIKsA_1PvIquwIOJr1oov1d27_NkVWG3n7z6efmhR4r5wajgqP_BNwhB3Kp7o4nALJKvIq6nwnp-wPY3ucTWaJRDSlq50mALjjXK/s1600/IMG_7242+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGARDhkyz6P0sD_LYpZMlV2DEydgU5wUtB44D_FDnfIIKsA_1PvIquwIOJr1oov1d27_NkVWG3n7z6efmhR4r5wajgqP_BNwhB3Kp7o4nALJKvIq6nwnp-wPY3ucTWaJRDSlq50mALjjXK/s1600/IMG_7242+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogs do sometimes come into conflict with monkeys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<br />
To combat this, CC has developed a detailed guide on managing the pest problem and provides workshops and training sessions for hotels and private houses. We also hope that you can help us by explaining to others why monkeys must not be fed. </div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLpTjKfsexAxhL3w2EFEQLCb7N-Cfb5dPdlggeh-n5vc2z7qlYI2MfpfivgoCD7z4fl2JV29Tw37XcSCp_RjWfL-a3OKSDWcr8Vsejgdz7gCuOc01yrTBRWYK88Q2ZVkaJva4p0JMynFv/s1600/IMG_8994+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLpTjKfsexAxhL3w2EFEQLCb7N-Cfb5dPdlggeh-n5vc2z7qlYI2MfpfivgoCD7z4fl2JV29Tw37XcSCp_RjWfL-a3OKSDWcr8Vsejgdz7gCuOc01yrTBRWYK88Q2ZVkaJva4p0JMynFv/s1600/IMG_8994+%2528853x1280%2529.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is some Vervet yoga</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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As always the pictures are owned by the author and under their copyright. They are uploaded at a lower quality as my internet in Kenya is slow. <br />
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You can see all my photos of my time in Kenya on my Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a><br />
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Or on my Facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a> <br />
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References: <a href="http://www.colobusconservation.org/">www.colobusconservation.org</a> <br />
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Disclaimer: "The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used; if they are yours and you would like them taken down then please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."<br />
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-77536424974994682612014-05-01T16:55:00.001+01:002014-05-01T16:55:26.806+01:00One of the biggest monkeys on the planet!Often wrongly confused as an ape due to their size you will usually hear, or perhaps smell the yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus) before seeing them; called Nyani in Swahili. They are an impressive sight and are viewed here by locals as pests; often hurling rocks at them when they come on their land. Even ex-pats will have large dogs and slingshots with small rocks at the ready in case.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CmA6KLe_hA7P-QdEPeBGSoPs5IqXqHMfZfWh6u_G0Rbu8XyCwbA7B4Lqpc8mzXj6EjhTTiVlmfmh9z8L5s2_MF1yYPQPuyHUw4bK5Gz1TQ0n4lEtAy26FTt0Li3vEZGtgnvvMGGIvPQk/s1600/IMG_6458+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CmA6KLe_hA7P-QdEPeBGSoPs5IqXqHMfZfWh6u_G0Rbu8XyCwbA7B4Lqpc8mzXj6EjhTTiVlmfmh9z8L5s2_MF1yYPQPuyHUw4bK5Gz1TQ0n4lEtAy26FTt0Li3vEZGtgnvvMGGIvPQk/s1600/IMG_6458+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">A large male yellow baboon<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Anatomy:</u></b><br />
At a weight of anything from 20-55kg (the Diani baboons are considerably large) and head-body length 70cm, 50cm standing at the shoulder, an adult male yellow baboon is quite a powerful creature. The males are around twice the size and weight of the females. They have yellow-brown hair, barrel chest, a prominent muzzle, large cheek pouches and close-set, amber coloured eyes. Their back legs are shorter than their front arms and they walk on their fingers and the soles of their feet. It takes males 7-8 years and females 5 to reach sexual maturity. Yellow baboon infants are actually born black with pink faces, hands and ears; usually around six months these will turn brown.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dAlpiGSOfHrJvu86xEwYb3rjFS-FMJzTk3CsbWdsEQsz0eNHCLeAKa66psDobgrcseFX_HC8ixfHsOqOfu4-4cXzSRQIc_O7qEWdHi5HO9IRv_cVDBKRqvh6I7ONKGi6WJp6pX8aOAfx/s1600/IMG_6551+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dAlpiGSOfHrJvu86xEwYb3rjFS-FMJzTk3CsbWdsEQsz0eNHCLeAKa66psDobgrcseFX_HC8ixfHsOqOfu4-4cXzSRQIc_O7qEWdHi5HO9IRv_cVDBKRqvh6I7ONKGi6WJp6pX8aOAfx/s1600/IMG_6551+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young baboons, notice the different colouration of the youngest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Both males and females have “ischial” callosites which are large sitting pads, the females are spilt and the males joined. Females have very pronounced sexual swellings between the sitting pads, this signifies when the female is ready for mating.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBmZ2DHlg4W5xH2nJQN_zmHlXKvWLKaVOflQxUrymgdSmkYMID8j696jA87PKA1CpVedyEBXBG3TfJ4e9PR3mdGCnzQ8K83AXQViQp7XAbOy3C8cNjYIr_sO_2v7ltCfC5tfdATp_0cfg/s1600/IMG_7835+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBmZ2DHlg4W5xH2nJQN_zmHlXKvWLKaVOflQxUrymgdSmkYMID8j696jA87PKA1CpVedyEBXBG3TfJ4e9PR3mdGCnzQ8K83AXQViQp7XAbOy3C8cNjYIr_sO_2v7ltCfC5tfdATp_0cfg/s1600/IMG_7835+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male sitting pads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzy3VW7wmWDUBzU_lafqZCY2V8KfyyDJh_Qmy0SSMMyP7V1i7VfOaCAJLhavYIRMdDQSaqPF2bBEyPmteLKYopuIIsmaxPV2EFGoa_ymJCpoXgsd6GItDrS68NhXY2sd6c9tJAUCICkQR/s1600/IMG_6510+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzy3VW7wmWDUBzU_lafqZCY2V8KfyyDJh_Qmy0SSMMyP7V1i7VfOaCAJLhavYIRMdDQSaqPF2bBEyPmteLKYopuIIsmaxPV2EFGoa_ymJCpoXgsd6GItDrS68NhXY2sd6c9tJAUCICkQR/s1600/IMG_6510+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swelled female that signifies ready for mating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><u>Distribution:</u></b><br />
Mainly a terrestrial, coastal baboon their primary habitat is the savannah, but due to their amazing ability to adapt they can survive almost anywhere. Although they are not threatened their numbers have been declining in Africa overall in recent years due to eradication programmes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaPmNOkYbBjH47nroFt8yzu2IDKQ0DZc4dSeCnB4uY0qdmJi3oKTTDlGz-kH5b3qKinlQvWoRqAiL8d1fQVNAPa0bu2R62trD9_Ewlwjlra9TZTDLGOyX2mwYnWx3szYr41QUw5YPD1eC/s1600/In+the+wild+wild+%2528Shimba%2529+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaPmNOkYbBjH47nroFt8yzu2IDKQ0DZc4dSeCnB4uY0qdmJi3oKTTDlGz-kH5b3qKinlQvWoRqAiL8d1fQVNAPa0bu2R62trD9_Ewlwjlra9TZTDLGOyX2mwYnWx3szYr41QUw5YPD1eC/s1600/In+the+wild+wild+%2528Shimba%2529+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baboon troop foraging in Shimba Hills National Reserve</td></tr>
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<br />
<b><u>Diet:</u></b><br />
Naturally yellow baboons eat roots, bulbs, grasses, herbs, flowers, buds, fruits and leaves as well as catching insects and are know to prey on rodents, rabbits, birds and monkeys. They will eat human food and are notorious crop and garbage raiders. Feeding baboons would be a very bad idea.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5ab6ANQWtmsiwvWZR-IEI-sgw7Y4h6sTuQ4uazc1DBSa-Q05tWyVrUW85waNZFQfIvHd-rzLdVCov2GyNpOAAbEq-LY9pbWEMMW7MFMnar__n4AQUnkNX89AzqmyMzT5LvpKrMq0IeDR/s1600/IMG_6442+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5ab6ANQWtmsiwvWZR-IEI-sgw7Y4h6sTuQ4uazc1DBSa-Q05tWyVrUW85waNZFQfIvHd-rzLdVCov2GyNpOAAbEq-LY9pbWEMMW7MFMnar__n4AQUnkNX89AzqmyMzT5LvpKrMq0IeDR/s1600/IMG_6442+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating neem fruits in the tree</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ110qJqh8ngVaKWG_iPFt4nWspldLUfWkXdOiDU-08GC4-q8UrkQUZ37x4MmGoErbx9N4QMQ3o66UhppRYxASoF8bMs0hDq5_knF6yD9nSaBsINExRHAnrwdbztsypo4XakxWHnJb0_D/s1600/IMG_6532+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ110qJqh8ngVaKWG_iPFt4nWspldLUfWkXdOiDU-08GC4-q8UrkQUZ37x4MmGoErbx9N4QMQ3o66UhppRYxASoF8bMs0hDq5_knF6yD9nSaBsINExRHAnrwdbztsypo4XakxWHnJb0_D/s1600/IMG_6532+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baboon eating an animal carcass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UeBxotc4UZ7hhKSl6P1tm0QsgZ7pZgjhvk5ryBaakiEVzwORghuqBBo3AV8UDHl_nWozys2m-sC6YzQgxAkTNRwfDvcoQnnI-Z31m_gPAoE7kpvO7sThzLn-PYjcCpQFFEXnjBmJNk6l/s1600/IMG_6469+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UeBxotc4UZ7hhKSl6P1tm0QsgZ7pZgjhvk5ryBaakiEVzwORghuqBBo3AV8UDHl_nWozys2m-sC6YzQgxAkTNRwfDvcoQnnI-Z31m_gPAoE7kpvO7sThzLn-PYjcCpQFFEXnjBmJNk6l/s1600/IMG_6469+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are very opportunistic feeders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b><u>Social Structure:</u></b><br />
The baboon’s social society is complex and made up of multi-male multi-females troops, ranging in size from 10 to an impressive 200 individuals. Their range size can vary greatly as well depending on habitat, heavily wooded areas could be 2km squared and perhaps 30km squared in more open areas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklmFvYFrr6UkYV1vpfK0CGoy_Vi3lmWvZaKLmvtteTsudrQyG9Y-PVUCE_XkO0zVrnwOKtlByvfkN5rge-HMqUUtBsZbIY5fZQEJr9hlaW-WR-MThfVr7Pj4GQtxp7IrV2jpAI-QCBS9B/s1600/IMG_6517+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklmFvYFrr6UkYV1vpfK0CGoy_Vi3lmWvZaKLmvtteTsudrQyG9Y-PVUCE_XkO0zVrnwOKtlByvfkN5rge-HMqUUtBsZbIY5fZQEJr9hlaW-WR-MThfVr7Pj4GQtxp7IrV2jpAI-QCBS9B/s1600/IMG_6517+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grooming is a great way to make friends and allies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBa_z4ad6HCA-ds0tRxttWBagi4F5A-mwb6VkS7a2UkNwm7DGx8SxK1XEr144bejgfXQUwMYjxcfWlvi_zBKp37nvI8TExJr1aBkmWrVCKj-ZdGcgge0IItoI-9HIEyL0qkic1tJfh5FR/s1600/IMG_6483+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBa_z4ad6HCA-ds0tRxttWBagi4F5A-mwb6VkS7a2UkNwm7DGx8SxK1XEr144bejgfXQUwMYjxcfWlvi_zBKp37nvI8TExJr1aBkmWrVCKj-ZdGcgge0IItoI-9HIEyL0qkic1tJfh5FR/s1600/IMG_6483+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baby hitching a ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ59ZtIeo84ViheqxmdL6s0ZB0nQflL-RWVSWU-XPit_08xFGj_1c6H-S_Exq-pt8x1RU4nKPFadEl9J-UJw3QW-lh_Y77dBqSXRLUzwDn9disPh72ZG658vIvkkVIaGc2Us8gskMxwTI/s1600/IMG_5502+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ59ZtIeo84ViheqxmdL6s0ZB0nQflL-RWVSWU-XPit_08xFGj_1c6H-S_Exq-pt8x1RU4nKPFadEl9J-UJw3QW-lh_Y77dBqSXRLUzwDn9disPh72ZG658vIvkkVIaGc2Us8gskMxwTI/s1600/IMG_5502+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and child bonding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As I touched on at the start of this post, baboons are very noisy, rowdy animals making boisterous displays daily at dawn and dusk. The males often also get into noisy, and if you are accidentally too close, scary scraps.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qCPIarJ502R0yU6IFVPKxNuOcpp7n40wccburHIZEZqyXEhEOmFnOLxeI1LWR7VBU8MwgpARnW-oG2gtHqO0YK8qJw_MJev17TTsVAwqJ6N3IZrrSz6H5hAlKAJmle_jlESxusaq_5g8/s1600/IMG_6472+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qCPIarJ502R0yU6IFVPKxNuOcpp7n40wccburHIZEZqyXEhEOmFnOLxeI1LWR7VBU8MwgpARnW-oG2gtHqO0YK8qJw_MJev17TTsVAwqJ6N3IZrrSz6H5hAlKAJmle_jlESxusaq_5g8/s1600/IMG_6472+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No he is not smiling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Monkeys as pests:</u></b><br />
With the exception of the colobus the other monkeys in Diani, are opportunistic feeders, taking what food they can when they can, and so will raid crops or steal food from kitchens in homes or hotels. Some local residents have appalling methods to deter these individuals: from throwing paint over them to stoning them or using bows and arrows.<br />
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This human-wildlife conflict is made worse when well meaning individuals giving monkeys food – as the monkeys come to associate humans with food. Men can generally rebuff monkeys who may approach them, but women and children are at risk of being bitten when they refuse to give monkeys food. To combat this, CC has developed a detailed guide on managing the pest problem and provides workshops and training sessions for hotels and private houses. We also hope that you can help us by explaining to others why monkeys must not be fed.<br />
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Some extra photos I simply could not leave out:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lMvoiT6-YMxBzKq1ahO0hj3sNudXMDoAORbh4EJM0x3_3f_txoVqqrbVmKPGBtoFBkUklaGqj8-wqAsqqVIEZ4m3z7ALbYvz-4j315jHzug-lG33UKQlxADvHPNa8JKektNt9W7zask6/s1600/IMG_5232+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lMvoiT6-YMxBzKq1ahO0hj3sNudXMDoAORbh4EJM0x3_3f_txoVqqrbVmKPGBtoFBkUklaGqj8-wqAsqqVIEZ4m3z7ALbYvz-4j315jHzug-lG33UKQlxADvHPNa8JKektNt9W7zask6/s1600/IMG_5232+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young yellow baboon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L83vgI0lLzMfs0vvbN1EnclbzYRSlZ5WIa8WBFj5LfGCN0tmhgsg5prDwOvp7qMEa-4O1Tt2NRl0ySY2x25kHaGQjjcVGYwbNqphDn1ku2WWychI7q_l7zSC9uN5EQDdniV_27e_oz6r/s1600/IMG_6495+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L83vgI0lLzMfs0vvbN1EnclbzYRSlZ5WIa8WBFj5LfGCN0tmhgsg5prDwOvp7qMEa-4O1Tt2NRl0ySY2x25kHaGQjjcVGYwbNqphDn1ku2WWychI7q_l7zSC9uN5EQDdniV_27e_oz6r/s1600/IMG_6495+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They do enjoy drinking from our tap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5oWE2vIzJPIbsuDVTCPB0D0WktzFk5_SUxWOs3mdL0mQKBZyQzd3V-RoxvFt4KYcqX-LmpB6ytDl7Vj7DqGDO8gF6j-6c5-xkICtLWWE9Y692r7lzInU4JEx9fgaoT8XB1PD5VTbnhhR/s1600/IMG_6500+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5oWE2vIzJPIbsuDVTCPB0D0WktzFk5_SUxWOs3mdL0mQKBZyQzd3V-RoxvFt4KYcqX-LmpB6ytDl7Vj7DqGDO8gF6j-6c5-xkICtLWWE9Y692r7lzInU4JEx9fgaoT8XB1PD5VTbnhhR/s1600/IMG_6500+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things can be scary for a young baboon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As always the pictures are owned by the author and under their copyright. They are uploaded at a lower quality as my internet in Kenya is slow.<br />
<br />
You can see all my photos of my time in Kenya on my Flickr page here - <a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a><br />
<br />
Or on my Facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a><br />
<br />
References: <a href="http://www.colobusconservation.org/">www.colobusconservation.org</a><br />
<br />
Disclaimer:<br />
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used; if they are yours and you would like them taken down then please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-25849151435042365642014-04-24T20:08:00.000+01:002014-04-24T20:09:54.216+01:00Births, deaths and elephants!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Well this 2nd month into my Kenyan adventure has just absolutely flown by, and I cannot
believe we are about to enter May. It has been a roller coaster ride of a month
with births, deaths and Elephants; and I hope you like reading it as much as I
enjoyed living it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGWrsT7zdnxjQfPopY_JcUK33SLvGSqZhzZl4a2PQfmb0exGLQF_qqGqG7k9ogVDiLQFVU3i70TKDhq8VCz1AuztX60oSGbNCKkzKDFly_Qa4xnvnMhxjQu2GU-WkJfhuaCfndRnj9l3Y/s1600/IMG_8306+(1280x853).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGWrsT7zdnxjQfPopY_JcUK33SLvGSqZhzZl4a2PQfmb0exGLQF_qqGqG7k9ogVDiLQFVU3i70TKDhq8VCz1AuztX60oSGbNCKkzKDFly_Qa4xnvnMhxjQu2GU-WkJfhuaCfndRnj9l3Y/s1600/IMG_8306+(1280x853).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out over the forest as the sun rises</td></tr>
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Will kick off with the fact I helped write and host a
monthly quiz held in a local beach bar the 40 Thieves. The quiz is mainly
attended by ex-pats living in the area (who seem to be living very well by the
size of some of their guts), but we also got some backpackers and two middle
aged men with their lovely, much younger local girlfriends; its like they only
just met, but I am sure that is not the case. The best bit about the evening
was that I got to have free food and drinks, so I had their vegan falafel burger
(very nice); also as a hardcore drinker I was knocking back a fair few mango
juices I kid you not. A jolly good evening all in all, but the best was yet to
come. On the way back we passed some workman repairing the road and all we had
to notify us of this was a man dressed in no bright clothing waving a branch at
us; that my friend is the Kenyan slow down sign. As we approached our site the
driver had to slam on the brakes to avoid going straight over a new speed bump
that had just been installed; that’s right, no signs, painted areas, nothing;
the driver then said turned round and said “welcome to <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place>”.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fbNT5UHJ46D_BXgmyOic83qUPvFGTcnbexFYzLMBZeNCJ7U97MXT4vlP1_boYVJbXCNm0AKTtYtMOf8HqXQayTL2te-bb87Oq_u9yS0RS3w9KVkJt0u06Z4Sw4NxXzFLJoVScWeYUHeC/s1600/IMG_6585+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fbNT5UHJ46D_BXgmyOic83qUPvFGTcnbexFYzLMBZeNCJ7U97MXT4vlP1_boYVJbXCNm0AKTtYtMOf8HqXQayTL2te-bb87Oq_u9yS0RS3w9KVkJt0u06Z4Sw4NxXzFLJoVScWeYUHeC/s1600/IMG_6585+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just enjoying hosting a quiz</td></tr>
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I organised a trip to the nearby reef with the aide of a
local fisherman and we went snorkelling. Nothing could prepare me for the
calmness of the sea, the clarity of the water and the amount of fish that
seemed so tame. It was like being in a beautiful, exotic fish tank where the
fish were happy to approach and investigate. There were orange fish, black
fish, silver fish, blue fish, big fish, small fish, I could go on. The
highlight was seeing a clown fish (finding Nemo) going in and out of an anemone;
just like the film. I am going to get a cheap underwater camera so next time I
can try and capture some of these wonders. Also, the rainy season is now well and truly in as this video clip I took shows.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AQJq5eCkPyM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I took part in the <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/picking-up-rubbish-and-seeing-in-shimba.html">Shimba Hills National Reserve clean up</a>
and got my first sighting of African elephants; definitely the highlight of my
trip so far. Another big highlight, I was given the honour of naming the new
male that joined one of the colobus groups I am following; <a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/hence-forth-you-shall-be-known-as.html">what name did I choose?</a> In the same group Chip, a 4 year old male, has returned after the group
went through a bit of an episode. One was hit by a car and died, some members
left (including Chip) and others joined like this new male I have recently
named. Chip probably went off to look at getting his own group, but failed so
has returned for now. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuo3wRl2utkhr9CMHhKUoMxWbEiMxMPWcLkLgHpDwW0pognkLUGmDChwYUDI_X3AnF6TC4K8dQ6WGUg9baRYEvV8G7D0bzHXmvnmed0xirioTXbksxiIzRlB4SD2Bm6Y5J4jZyVDSBfba/s1600/Me+outside+Shimba+Hills+National+Reserve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuo3wRl2utkhr9CMHhKUoMxWbEiMxMPWcLkLgHpDwW0pognkLUGmDChwYUDI_X3AnF6TC4K8dQ6WGUg9baRYEvV8G7D0bzHXmvnmed0xirioTXbksxiIzRlB4SD2Bm6Y5J4jZyVDSBfba/s1600/Me+outside+Shimba+Hills+National+Reserve.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On entering Shimba Hills National Reserve</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1wD4sNTb_fF7fFGv92lma23qozQ44XhyuOtJnPNq3MhjbugDc5zdVRGZIuYZM7UORf0t9-HQBkutLMzYgPdeoQpNb9ixtCFzWycrObRX8bmFKxvdwWrxcmHUySAXMarmqPVqnWC5bvgK/s1600/Young+elephant+having+a+mud+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1wD4sNTb_fF7fFGv92lma23qozQ44XhyuOtJnPNq3MhjbugDc5zdVRGZIuYZM7UORf0t9-HQBkutLMzYgPdeoQpNb9ixtCFzWycrObRX8bmFKxvdwWrxcmHUySAXMarmqPVqnWC5bvgK/s1600/Young+elephant+having+a+mud+bath.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first encounter with an African elephant</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlrqOkmyRHpNSBPCEL946Jw_5Z0wjhCLgvVSRmIO0kOXwoaC7BXMMLtvB46SGSSARdwyt_Mpbh9XtwPAf8Sdj7bQcotzxd0EomXkDBgSqiwPaWgHGCevh3OWK3ixFf5dopi7T2JpHw4vZ/s1600/IMG_5679+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlrqOkmyRHpNSBPCEL946Jw_5Z0wjhCLgvVSRmIO0kOXwoaC7BXMMLtvB46SGSSARdwyt_Mpbh9XtwPAf8Sdj7bQcotzxd0EomXkDBgSqiwPaWgHGCevh3OWK3ixFf5dopi7T2JpHw4vZ/s1600/IMG_5679+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new male I had the honour in naming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI5GF_BemGlRPT3KRGsoGQh9HLyhugBWQFs5sV_WKqwDKQUxkCTXTxlaGLeivo5kJ6-ogjqvwCLHO6t7d353JxqHc89LROPPrprZV_3d5vXf_KzkD6f37xcE5ckBCgA6jiNy9YbypkM9g/s1600/IMG_7654+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI5GF_BemGlRPT3KRGsoGQh9HLyhugBWQFs5sV_WKqwDKQUxkCTXTxlaGLeivo5kJ6-ogjqvwCLHO6t7d353JxqHc89LROPPrprZV_3d5vXf_KzkD6f37xcE5ckBCgA6jiNy9YbypkM9g/s1600/IMG_7654+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chip has returned to colobus group 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>A very tasty, gluten free vegan chocolate cake was made by
me, that all the volunteers loved and ate very quickly. Safe to say the next
one I made was double the size and had peanut butter in it, this went just as
quickly. We also went to the local Indian restaurant here in Diani, which was
cheap and super tasty, but you better like your food spicy because WOW; that’s
coming from someone who likes his spice. Although ordering two drinks for
myself seemed to confuse the waiter who thought I was switching between wanting
a bottle of water and a Tusker beer; don’t worry folks I did get both.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5GvlP3MkRFsqAA7WZJklWzUFlwYi1iL228BuYMAp1mGe1w657mnslaTfAY0oCh9MQgYXPrkT4D6yPeCNHU40KDJ5AVK6NoD0G-LVb8f0H_jS8QCnBjCI2bqMwftRR3rBAzCFfZR47rao/s1600/DSCF1418+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5GvlP3MkRFsqAA7WZJklWzUFlwYi1iL228BuYMAp1mGe1w657mnslaTfAY0oCh9MQgYXPrkT4D6yPeCNHU40KDJ5AVK6NoD0G-LVb8f0H_jS8QCnBjCI2bqMwftRR3rBAzCFfZR47rao/s1600/DSCF1418+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am very happy with my chocolate cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was present at the re-releasing of a Sykes monkey that we
had taken in to patch up after a car accident. Luckily he survived and just
needed minor stitches, safe to say he was mighty happy about going home. I
watched the sunrise again, but this time at the top of a water tower, and so
got some amazing views. I also went out to witness the meteor shower thinking we would have a great view over the sea. Well not only did I not see anything but within an hour clouds came in and rain started pouring down; got some pretty cool shots though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1abPoMktCbma6x_LPbium9DQmhcZWJzbqYo2mSseeE7Sbz5dSIXaJgbi90VmuON9CTrpAKKzvH0STv4c_xTrcftcwzvqtENAARYLF4XjYaSq6kB5_RObdRZY1REEP0xXIpTiK6kkhu3UH/s1600/IMG_7810+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1abPoMktCbma6x_LPbium9DQmhcZWJzbqYo2mSseeE7Sbz5dSIXaJgbi90VmuON9CTrpAKKzvH0STv4c_xTrcftcwzvqtENAARYLF4XjYaSq6kB5_RObdRZY1REEP0xXIpTiK6kkhu3UH/s1600/IMG_7810+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sykes monkey darting out back to freedom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKhLdfnOcZAEFBS4Bl4rYf0vZLLvxjrvit-REj0jdmzG-mazIMCQY3J7fuYW2A_roFKm-1kAeSwsjNYe31u6L22wzlhyphenhyphenyaMujA4d4MlATxtZKXBFy_6ki5axgUe2SfN8kNRkpjeQbEGRW/s1600/IMG_8304+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKhLdfnOcZAEFBS4Bl4rYf0vZLLvxjrvit-REj0jdmzG-mazIMCQY3J7fuYW2A_roFKm-1kAeSwsjNYe31u6L22wzlhyphenhyphenyaMujA4d4MlATxtZKXBFy_6ki5axgUe2SfN8kNRkpjeQbEGRW/s1600/IMG_8304+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over the forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiikPswD4P2Qr31uK7Lm3GtXOplvNSNqFwjk9dD8ydyLuxQ_OCESkP2PScQWdSjhD2xnoFkNJMpqndKeZZkx61DD-j9zLALj7Ggy9uf20Jn9rMiIexQ_6uAGR4YOgS86hYRY4PODcK0RY/s1600/IMG_8706+%25281280x853%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiikPswD4P2Qr31uK7Lm3GtXOplvNSNqFwjk9dD8ydyLuxQ_OCESkP2PScQWdSjhD2xnoFkNJMpqndKeZZkx61DD-j9zLALj7Ggy9uf20Jn9rMiIexQ_6uAGR4YOgS86hYRY4PODcK0RY/s1600/IMG_8706+%25281280x853%2529+-+Copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The night sky over Diani, no meteors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, I am now able to identify all the individuals of
the three colobus groups that I am following (27 individuals), which makes me
the first person ever to have done this; feeling pretty good right now. Now for
some sad news - group 2 did have a new baby, but it must have been born dead
which is a shame; the mother was carrying it around caring for it the whole
day. Even worse, our beloved orphaned baby colobus Avi who was being hand
reared passed away just the other day. He had been ill for a while and previous
colobus babies lead us to believe this to be a likely outcome. He was a
pleasure to have around and will be missed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSKg7HRNisCOxYNyH_X-6pgqx_6Oa6n5fihVySkMzpR_woQfvT0jyN_yMhNf3bsXqoGjUD1MexarVcrhr-rA9BlpBTzJzdpFblv2FHdfr5DJs0uWhrJBQ737qpTUDGaTQYUdW_oa3F9_Z/s1600/IMG_8489+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSKg7HRNisCOxYNyH_X-6pgqx_6Oa6n5fihVySkMzpR_woQfvT0jyN_yMhNf3bsXqoGjUD1MexarVcrhr-rA9BlpBTzJzdpFblv2FHdfr5DJs0uWhrJBQ737qpTUDGaTQYUdW_oa3F9_Z/s1600/IMG_8489+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baby was born dead, but the mother still cares for it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ysiv-iYnB1b9NrKHIkAIigFc5fwjBleV9SVMYn7Cz6irtb537CprKe3Vn2_YV2MeB1NCupDKC_MepW_eUsiWUDflf8SqRApbjz9GZxVVwtWPUeoRY1LF8PTgkzunMQ8oPKYcKoOwjfqQ/s1600/Avi+%25281280x986%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ysiv-iYnB1b9NrKHIkAIigFc5fwjBleV9SVMYn7Cz6irtb537CprKe3Vn2_YV2MeB1NCupDKC_MepW_eUsiWUDflf8SqRApbjz9GZxVVwtWPUeoRY1LF8PTgkzunMQ8oPKYcKoOwjfqQ/s1600/Avi+%25281280x986%2529.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor little Avi, he was a pleasure to have around and will be missed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now let’s finish with some good news, today I was tracking
group 3 and when I found them I was greeted by a bright white, healthy colobus
baby not one week old. It felt amazing to see and with the passing of Avi it
was like we lose one, and gain one.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQMv-tUbdbyi-xIkMNrGEcWxoGTAPpys9NvaiASZLgyK7wQNZgHrmT7gSQEqxbLUQvO8w2qPJvFI9RLar1JaqF5tca7GHhu3MhJDrCRk9Nsp3AjWyHFmjPJ991zq1ZxheKXt631-VivI1/s1600/IMG_8751+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQMv-tUbdbyi-xIkMNrGEcWxoGTAPpys9NvaiASZLgyK7wQNZgHrmT7gSQEqxbLUQvO8w2qPJvFI9RLar1JaqF5tca7GHhu3MhJDrCRk9Nsp3AjWyHFmjPJ991zq1ZxheKXt631-VivI1/s1600/IMG_8751+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright white new colobus baby, healthy and well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What an end to a crazy month that I will
never forget, bring on the next.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/kenya-one-month-on-journey-continues.html">What did I get up to in my first month?</a></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://lukemberman.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-kenyan-adventure.html">Check out all my posts from Kenya so far.</a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As always the pictures are owned by the author and under
their copyright. They are uploaded at a lower quality as my internet in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> is slow.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:place w:st="on">Kenya</st1:place> on my Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Or on my facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disclaimer:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any
way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise
stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be
provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would
like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all
content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The
owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links
posted."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-28309737849070259892014-04-22T14:00:00.000+01:002014-06-21T07:29:51.301+01:00Guest Blog Post: Saving Spider Monkeys from the Mexican Primate Pet Trade.<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt;">
<a href="http://primateworld.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/me-poster-psgb.png?w=275&h=300" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://primateworld.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/me-poster-psgb.png?w=275&h=300" height="200" width="183" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">Jess Hooper is a primatologist who is just
finishing her MSc in Primate Conservation at </span><st1:placename style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;" w:st="on">Oxford</st1:placename><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">
</span><st1:placename style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;" w:st="on">Brookes</st1:placename><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;"> </span><st1:placename style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;" w:st="on">University</st1:placename><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">
in </span><st1:place style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Oxford</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">England</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">. Jess is working closely
with a Mexican monkey sanctuary (</span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">Ecoparque
el Fenix)</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;"> to rehabilitate spider monkeys from the Mexican primate pet
trade. Jetting off to </span><st1:country-region style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">
soon Jess writes about the work she is about to embark on.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt;">
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<i style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">"I'm very excited to have been asked to give my first guest blog, and I thank Luke for this opportunity to share my current work with primate rehabilitation in </span><st1:country-region style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">." - Jess Hooper</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;"> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">Primate welfare<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">I wanted to write a little about the
importance of primate welfare and rehabilitation for those monkeys and apes
with low conservation value-i.e. those which have unknown genetic value, are
psychologically compromised, unsuitable for breeding, and/or release. I
strongly believe that it is our duty, as primatologists and as human beings, to
provide the utmost of care to those whose fate we have been responsible for. It
is the human-primates of this world that extract our primate cousins from the
wild, pluck babies from their mother’s chests and sell them on within the
various ill-controlled wildlife trades. The trade I wish to discuss in
particular is the illegal primate pet trade within Southern America, namely <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">The Mexican primate pet trade<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">Spider monkeys (<i>Ateles geoffroyi</i>) are an arboreal primate, endemic to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Pet
spider monkeys are illegally captured and transported to cities where they are
sold in unsavoury market conditions to become a pet. It is national demand
which stokes this market-untouched by the <a href="http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/what.php">CITES convention</a> which only
influences international wildlife trade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">Like chimpanzees (<em>Pan troglodytes</em>), spider monkeys
naturally exploit a fission-fusion society, whereby daily social groups vary in
size and composition. Thus socialisation is fundamental to their psychological
well being. A lack of intra-species socialisation whilst living as human-pets
can cause severe implications to their development resulting in abnormal (or
'stereotypic') behaviour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.9pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">Spider monkey rehabilitation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">I work closely with spider monkeys rescued
and donated from the illegal pet trade at a Mexican monkey sanctuary <i><a href="http://www.ecoparqueelfenix.org/">Ecoparque el Fenix</a>.</i> I work to reduce
stereotypic behaviours in ex-pet monkeys as well as to improve species-typical
behaviour. Some monkeys I work with are unable to climb, the majority walk
bipedally upon the ground like humans, and many are fearful towards other
monkeys which they have never encountered before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqqwe9aOY9BIqno0Yz1Vmv-GJgb7wqZb5-6sG6CbdgWaMdz4OpcKkwKnqKxJdP_LZLZqk9qSrwFYzrApq7o3i0D9ClTc7KGpjxv2kL0ruy0dwSrFs22qr7CTpBy_h5p_nmgm-o-it3fHj/s1600/Nino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqqwe9aOY9BIqno0Yz1Vmv-GJgb7wqZb5-6sG6CbdgWaMdz4OpcKkwKnqKxJdP_LZLZqk9qSrwFYzrApq7o3i0D9ClTc7KGpjxv2kL0ruy0dwSrFs22qr7CTpBy_h5p_nmgm-o-it3fHj/s1600/Nino.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nino, the monkey who walks bipedally like a human</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">I have taken a focal approach to studying
these monkeys, to look at each monkey as an individual: with individual needs,
past experiences, fears, and emotions. In doing so, I can understand them on a
personal level, and determine which approach to use for each monkeys
rehabilitation. Not all methods are suitable for every monkey. Some monkeys are
unable to be socially integrated because the stress induces self-harming
behaviour, whereas others benefit greatly from monkey company and quickly learn
to cuddle, play and even share resources. Enrichment offers exercise to both
the body and mind, swinging platforms encourage climbing and leaping behaviour,
and novel enrichments provide stimulation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIfR7ewYKobUoqd6TD72siHlUfoGsshKFwiL-69Vs2j_pfoPcHeKNgPcjiTU3R0ID2OxvBODje4LCSvdmEBVfp9xtmDiLZ3FIMie9Lg6Nma4f5jrDnMeCE3w2Ht5qUFjDDBubizRpllxB/s1600/creating+an+enriched+enclosure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIfR7ewYKobUoqd6TD72siHlUfoGsshKFwiL-69Vs2j_pfoPcHeKNgPcjiTU3R0ID2OxvBODje4LCSvdmEBVfp9xtmDiLZ3FIMie9Lg6Nma4f5jrDnMeCE3w2Ht5qUFjDDBubizRpllxB/s1600/creating+an+enriched+enclosure.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating an enriched enclosure</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">Is it worth it?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">Rehabilitation takes time, and there is
limited support for such projects where the monkeys may never be ready for
reintroduction. I desperately urge people to see primate rehabilitation as a
separate issue from conservation-one of moral significance, one of
responsibility. Only once we tackle the issues of rehabilitation can we bridge
the gap between the welfare of abused individuals and conservation by restoring
their conservation worth. These monkeys are still ambassadors of the forest and
represent an educational tool of emotive power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfq61aSgkZgWd9XZr1odBcSay_R1fjOchWdCJ46r0HL2uTgcOc7pwMt7YyZb12tQXNbarA7E7vBQx5Lj7k8HEP6-HtfNcsMnR5O3k9Oz4VWRjfDvYIPo_Srsu9e9uQInZXWQzA8-Vz2Gl/s1600/Spider+monkeys+socialising.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfq61aSgkZgWd9XZr1odBcSay_R1fjOchWdCJ46r0HL2uTgcOc7pwMt7YyZb12tQXNbarA7E7vBQx5Lj7k8HEP6-HtfNcsMnR5O3k9Oz4VWRjfDvYIPo_Srsu9e9uQInZXWQzA8-Vz2Gl/s1600/Spider+monkeys+socialising.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider monkeys</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">Meet the monkeys Jess is working with: </span><a href="http://ecoparqueelfenix.org/" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 19.9pt;">ecoparqueelfenix.org</a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">Keep informed with updates through her blog: <a href="http://primateworld.wordpress.com/%C2%A0">http://primateworld.wordpress.com/ </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The pictures are owned by the author
and under their copyright. </span></span></div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
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"The views and opinions expressed in a guest blog post are that of the author and are not in any way linked to any
organisations the site may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. The owner of the site is
not liable for any content accessed through links posted."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-54380984744132442592014-04-18T17:35:00.000+01:002014-04-18T18:16:10.788+01:00Help save the mountain gorillas by watching a movie.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Virunga: The Movie has now been completed and the trailer can be viewed below. It is up to us to support their efforts and make sure we do not lose this key habitat.<br />
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The Chief Warden Emmanuel de Merode can be seen and heard during the trailer, this makes it all the more emotional to watch as he is currently recovering from being shot while on duty - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-27049627">more here</a></div>
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Taken from <a href="http://virungamovie.com/">http://virungamovie.com</a></div>
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<b><i>“VIRUNGA IS THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF A GROUP OF BRAVE PEOPLE RISKING THEIR LIVES TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE IN A PART OF AFRICA THE WORLD'S FORGOTTEN AND A GRIPPING EXPOSE OF THE REALITIES OF LIFE IN THE CONGO.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<i>“In the forested depths of eastern <st1:country-region w:st="on">Congo</st1:country-region> lies <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Virunga</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">National Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>, one of the most bio-diverse places in the world and home to the last of the mountain gorillas. In this wild, but enchanted environment, a small and embattled team of park rangers - including and ex-child soldier turned ranger, a carer of orphan gorillas and a Belgian conservationist - protect this UNESCO world heritage site from armed militia, poachers and the dark forces struggling to control <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Congo</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s rich natural resources. When the newly formed M23 rebel group declares war in May 2012, a new conflict threatens the lives and stability of everyone and everything they've worked so hard to protect.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/92226142?byline=0&portrait=0&color=E24A8D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/92226142">Virunga - Official Trailer 2014</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/grainmedia">Grain Media</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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<b><u>History:</u></b></div>
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Founded in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium the Virunga
National Park (VNP) now stretches over 7800 square kilometres that includes active
volcanoes, forests, savannas, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys and
mountains. VNP is home to around a quarter of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">worlds</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>
gorilla population and also contains eastern lowland <i>Grauer’s</i> gorillas and chimpanzees. This makes it the only park in
the world to contain three different taxa of great apes.</div>
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VNP’s history has been a difficult one, the DR Congo and the
surrounding countries have had a series of civil wars and uprising’s, like the
1994 Rwandan genocide sending 1 million refugees out of the country. This type
of pressure on the VNP means the wildlife is in immense danger from bush meat,
de-forestation and human activities. Also, several critically endangered
mountain gorillas were killed by a charcoal mafia in 2007, which promoted VNP
to improve its ranger protection program.</div>
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Thank you for reading and watching now please share this
with everyone you know and get the story of Virunga out there. These men and
women put their lives on the line everyday to protect this precious area and
the wildlife that lives within. The least we can do is make sure their plight
does not go unnoticed.</div>
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Photos – credit to <a href="http://virungamovie.com/">http://virungamovie.com</a></div>
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References:</div>
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<a href="http://virungamovie.com/">http://virungamovie.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://virunga.org/">http://virunga.org</a></div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
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<br /></div>
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"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any
organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos
are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other
photos are used; if they are yours and you would like them taken down then
please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos
and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is
not liable for any content accessed through links posted."</div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490318561645916900.post-11168450789731297282014-04-16T15:46:00.000+01:002014-04-17T08:45:07.242+01:00Hence forth you shall be known as.....<div class="MsoNormal">
I am currently following three different groups of the
Angolan black & white colobus monkey, two largely unknown and one known
extremely well. So well in fact that they all have names and are seen almost
every day in and around the <a href="http://www.colobusconservation.org/">Colobus Conservation</a> site. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTriGb5XcM3ELSdJ4LF2kcqMI00r3C682aP6maRnO9uvgvNK8y9iD9Qw19lCcIctAG3NeNztQT_aRaOoiMyNgq8DRQvRtET2pyU86voFrzLoUtok0RZo7Ba7_u1zRvsxKeUh7NdOrG3H1/s1600/DSC_3597+(849x1280).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTriGb5XcM3ELSdJ4LF2kcqMI00r3C682aP6maRnO9uvgvNK8y9iD9Qw19lCcIctAG3NeNztQT_aRaOoiMyNgq8DRQvRtET2pyU86voFrzLoUtok0RZo7Ba7_u1zRvsxKeUh7NdOrG3H1/s1600/DSC_3597+(849x1280).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following the colobus group around the site</td></tr>
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I have been given the honour of naming a new male that has
entered into this well known group, and to release him from the shackles of his
old name (or code to be more accurate); C115.</div>
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After deliberating for a few days on whether I should go
English name, Swahili name or Swahili word I opted for the latter. Before
revealing this name I should probably go into a bit more detail regarding his
personality; as that is what I wanted to represent within his new title.</div>
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He is a large adult male and has more than likely joined the
group with an idea of taking it over. He sits on the fringes of the group, a
tree or two away, biding his time before moving in closer to perhaps rattle the
current alpha male. He gets chased away regularly by the resident alpha, but
slowly and surely he makes his way back to the fringe. On thing is for sure,
while C115 is around you can guarantee there will be trouble.</div>
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Hence forth C115 shall be known as:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Matata </span></div>
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(means trouble or trouble maker)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeLaH1nsfujY8bo0zew6SHtGU-QdYTuCYfvccfnHYPmWxHVlkoZTlz9flr2SE0__rcY1RQ_qbASqUVinrkPkuMC12lT5szssdjM7yYGuefpOdcTCUcgyfTrjEOnEbmHBSNlIqJD5YyPkT/s1600/IMG_5679+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeLaH1nsfujY8bo0zew6SHtGU-QdYTuCYfvccfnHYPmWxHVlkoZTlz9flr2SE0__rcY1RQ_qbASqUVinrkPkuMC12lT5szssdjM7yYGuefpOdcTCUcgyfTrjEOnEbmHBSNlIqJD5YyPkT/s1600/IMG_5679+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C115 or now Matata</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_aiA6WsZhC6BQ-kyKe0Z_EPS6p1DOqmUDybhNOowmZ9vZggdW8MtRsvRTx98OPB71YDJ-8CH3NBxeiDt2Fi84bntWgn-F-steDIc2BsX0sIFa0-AJBcCckoen7owJtanZZ5qu6WjG4h8/s1600/IMG_7779+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_aiA6WsZhC6BQ-kyKe0Z_EPS6p1DOqmUDybhNOowmZ9vZggdW8MtRsvRTx98OPB71YDJ-8CH3NBxeiDt2Fi84bntWgn-F-steDIc2BsX0sIFa0-AJBcCckoen7owJtanZZ5qu6WjG4h8/s1600/IMG_7779+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matata in his more relaxed state</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdWJRUasCLwVxgABuJGXjCHZTPROhitva2-_I3gjL8N2ak1nwEsDSRyp106UJvHoIrsuHHyY-_bENy1IPeZjgmVeUtLNbXuileVxPcC3MVGsEP4F0dreYIy3Mt8Qau-m4v4miXI1onzNn/s1600/IMG_5594+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdWJRUasCLwVxgABuJGXjCHZTPROhitva2-_I3gjL8N2ak1nwEsDSRyp106UJvHoIrsuHHyY-_bENy1IPeZjgmVeUtLNbXuileVxPcC3MVGsEP4F0dreYIy3Mt8Qau-m4v4miXI1onzNn/s1600/IMG_5594+%25281280x853%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colobus group with Matata down the bottom on the fringe</td></tr>
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Check back to learn more about the group and how Matata is getting on in the coming weeks.</div>
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As always the pictures are owned by the author and under
their copyright. They are uploaded at a lower quality as my internet in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> is slow.</div>
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You can see all my photos of my time in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> on my
Flickr page here -<a href="http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd">http://bit.ly/1dpb3gd</a></div>
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Or on my Facebook page here - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist">www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist</a></div>
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Disclaimer:</div>
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"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a
Primatologist blog are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any
organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos
are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other
photos are used; if they are yours and you would like them taken down then
please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos
and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is
not liable for any content accessed through links posted."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18050389176994261730noreply@blogger.com0