volunteer with one of the "small" lions

the children of the Lubasi orphanage

Friday, December 31, 2010

Day 3 - The 3 R's

Today we went on two walks with a litter of lions known as the 3 R’s:  Rwanda, Ruma and Rufiji.  These lions are 16 months old and consist of 2 females and a male.

We bonded further with the lions today, who allowed us to pat their faces and pull (blood engorged) ticks off their bodies.

We also participated in a “Behavioral Enhancement” project.  We built a crocodile and an impala using sticks, grasses, and other natural materials found in the game reserve.  These figures are used by the lions to practice stalking and capturing prey.  We heard later in the day that Besa and Bemba were walked near the “impala” which was promptly pounced upon and torn to shreds.

Despite the ominous weather predictions when we left for Zambia, the weather has been great.  We have yet to see any significant rain and are enjoying very warm temperatures.

We look forward to starting the New Year in Zambia!

Ruma and Rufiji fighting

Rwanda, the Male R.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Zambia Day 2: Lion Bonding and Poop Patrol


This morning we walked with Besa and Bemba for approximately 2 hours.
The purpose of the walk was for the lions to get to know us better and learn to obey us. 

We were joined by Cara, the program manager, 3 lion handlers, and a scout.  The scout was equipped with a .375 caliber rifle.  He walked far ahead of the group to ensure that the intended route was safe, and stayed in constant radio contact with us.

The afternoon was poop patrol time.  We de-pooped 2 lion enclosures, each approximately 60 meters x 60 meters.  Those were the biggest litter boxes we’ve ever cleaned.  Later in the day/evening we encountered various animals including hippos, cape buffalo, antelope, monkeys and a couple of curious owls.
This lion is 16 months old and has its 2nd (and final) set of teeth


Bob, Julia and Bemba

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Day 1 in Zambia

After a grueling 30 hour journey, we have arrrived at our final destination in Zambia, Africa.  We were quite tired, but still had enough energy to go for a 1 hour walk with a couple of young female lions.  Despite that it's the rainy season we enjoyed nice weather today; no rain!  We are living in simple accomodations nestled in a game reserve.  So far we have seen lots of animals in the wild:  elephants, baboons, crocodile, various types of birds, antelope and more.  We are staying very close to the shore of the Zambezi river and expect to see hippos (we were warned not to wander for that reason)


Julia petting Besa.

Julia & Bob with Bemba and Besa in the background.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Departure Day

It's departure day and we are very excited about our upcoming trip.  We have collected many donations for the orphanage including soccer jerseys, toys, 46 calculators and one small computer.

We will be traveling from Toronto, to Frankfurt, to Johannesburg to Livingstone; with layovers, a total of 30 hours travel time!

The weather forecast is as expected for this time of year in Zambia (the rainy season):

Long Term Forecast Updated: Monday, December 27, 2010, 12:18 SST


Tuesday
Dec. 28
Wednesday
Dec. 29
Thursday
Dec. 30
Friday
Dec. 31
Saturday
Jan. 1
Sunday
Jan. 2
Conditions
6am - 6pm
Thunder- showersThunder- showersCloudy with showersThunder- showersLight rainThunder- showers
Thunder- showersThunder- showersCloudy with showersThunder- showersLight rainThunder- showers
P.O.P.90%90%40%40%90%60%
High30°C31°C31°C31°C26°C32°C
Feels Like37 39 38 37 34 39
Low20°C20°C21°C20°C20°C21°C
WindNE 15 km/h E 5 km/h NE 10 km/h NE 10 km/h NE 5 km/h NE 5 km/h
24-Hr Rainclose to 15 mm close to 10 mm less than 1 mm close to 10 mm 10+More than 10 mm of rain possible mm close to 5 mm