What's been going on: 10 June 2012

HESC_Meg's cubs_4 June_2012 blog

Meg and her cubs

Winter has finally hit the Lowveld, with cool, breezy mornings and cold evenings here at the HESC. But, the cold hasn’t slowed down the pace at all, and there is plenty of news to share.

STUDENT CAMP-OUT

The drop in temperature did not discourage any of the staff or students from sleeping out under the stars. With a big campfire to keep everyone warm, and sleeping bags to keep the cold at bay during the night, great fun was had by all.

Student's Camp-out
A roaring campfire kept the cold at bay

CUB UPDATE

All seventeen of the cheetah cubs and the five mothers at HESC are well. The cubs are fat and healthy, growing by the day and providing plenty of entertainment on Africam! It is hard to believe that most of them are already six weeks old.

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NEVER A DULL MOMENT
 

There really is never a dull moment at the Centre. Field Guide, Ilana‘s vehicle ended up with a flat tyre in the ‘deurry kamp’ that houses our young, naughty and very playful cheetah cubs! Luckily Jacques came to the rescue and helped to change the tyre, while Ameé kept the cubs occupied!

Jacques helps Ilana change the tyre
Jacques helps Ilana change the tyre

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Exhausted cheetah cubs, after ‘helping’ to change the tyre

CHEETAH RELEASE

During the first week of June, two female cheetahs – a mother and her daughter – were successfully collared and released onto Camp Jabulani’s property. They will be closely monitored over the next few weeks to establish their movements and eating habits.

 

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Cheetah release

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Both cheetahs were collared so that they can be monitored after release

 
GAME DRIVES
As always, our game drives have been very popular this month, with guests enjoying some great sightings.
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Game drive, by Richard Marshall

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Zebra seen on the game drive

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A friendly face

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A young lion

That’s it for now folks,
The HESC Team ;-)