Sunday, September 14, 2014

Tembo na Twiga

Saturday. Was. Awesome. Thanks to Megan who organized the trip, we were able to hope on a van at 9:30am to head to the David Sheldrick Orphanage which raises elephants who have been orphaned and cannot survive on their own. We watched them lead these babies elephants out, feed them, and walk them around. There were two groups of 15 with the youngest being 2 months and the oldest 3 years. They were so awesome to get so close to, watch, and pet! During our time watching the elephants we were able to learn more about the Ophanage which also has components of a veterinary clinic that goes into the field, anti-poaching teams that helps protects the elephants and brings poachers to justice, and an advocacy component which works to educate people about poaching and ivory sales.

When we arrived at the park we were immediately greeted by a group of young warthogs (yes shameless Lion King reference). Interesting little creatures. Kind of mean looking (and pretty sure they are mean too). This was very cool to see and reminded us that while we are at an orphanage, the wild was still very around us.

After our experience at the orphanage we headed to the Giraffe Centre (the British spelling is slowly taking over my own vocabulary). This was just as fun. We were able to feed giraffes!!! A few ‘lucky’ people also decided to kiss the giraffe’s, by holding the food in their mouths and waiting for the giraffe to lick it out. (I personally am hoping to be the first one to identify a giraffe to human transmission of a disease – the “jump” as it’s referred to in virology). It was so cool to get so close giraffe’s and see them in a very natural habitat. I did notice that many of them seemed to pose for pictures, and in fact they preferred to ‘kiss’ a group of Swedish girls rather than some of the older people attempting to get that profile-picture-worthy shot. I think these giraffe’s are a lot smarter than any of us expect. Pretty sneaky too.

After the giraffe’s it was time to head back to our apartments, where we have finally regained WiFi! Which meant being about to post pictures from the trip, and start working on some homework that we had.

It was great to be able to escape the city for the day and do more of the touristy type activities.

Pictures: click here

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