I'm on my way to a meeting in Tulsa, then Indy for a visit with family!
Made it to Ethiopia just now - get on the plane to DC in 2 hours.
Can't believe I've already been here for almost 3 months!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Egypt in Rwanda
Last week Julie Ghrist, who runs the Art of Conservation NGO I wrote about a while back, returned from a vacation in Egypt with her mom. She had a get together at her house celebrating Egypt - she had Egyption clothes for us all to wear - don't we look great! The dresses are called Galabia. That's John in the nice white Galabia, Julie next to me, Magda and little Kasha, along with Julie's 3 dogs. Molly took this one.
We had a blast! I love our little Muzungu community.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Outwitted by a monkey
At the gorilla orphan facility in Kinigi we care for 2 monkeys - a golden monkey and a vervet monkey. Neither are releasable. The little vervet is called Gimlet, and she was a "pet" from a very young age until she was confiscated several years ago. She still has scars around her waist where her "leash" was attached. She loves to be groomed by her caregivers, but is a very confused little monkey. The Golden Monkey has also been in human care since a young age, and is missing a hand after an accident with his cage several years ago.
Last week Gimlet was found with a broken right arm in the morning. She must have tried to reach something outside the mesh and gotton her arm tangled. Her ulna was broken and her elbow dislocated - poor little thing. Sandy and I anesthetized her so I could try to repair the damage. We don't have an X-ray machine so I had to rely on my hands to evaluate the fracture - it felt like only the ulna was fractured, and the radius was stable. Gimlet was pretty relaxed under anesthesia, and I was able to get the elbow back into proper position. We didn't have any cast material available, so I bandaged her arm, making her a nice little pink jacket. Now, I've had some experience with monkeys and fractures, and I was pretty confident that my technique would work. AND she looked great in pink!
She got it off in 2 hours.
Outwitted by a monkey, again.
The next day Magda and I tried again. This time we put a nice splint on, and taped the makeshift "cast" to her arm.
She got this one off in 3 hours.
Never underestimate the determination of a monkey.
Take three was a splint, wrap, and tape all the way around her body, and the whole thing smeared with a yucky tasting paste.
Here is the gorilla peanut gallery - the monkey procedures provided a good deal of entertainment for them!
Last week Gimlet was found with a broken right arm in the morning. She must have tried to reach something outside the mesh and gotton her arm tangled. Her ulna was broken and her elbow dislocated - poor little thing. Sandy and I anesthetized her so I could try to repair the damage. We don't have an X-ray machine so I had to rely on my hands to evaluate the fracture - it felt like only the ulna was fractured, and the radius was stable. Gimlet was pretty relaxed under anesthesia, and I was able to get the elbow back into proper position. We didn't have any cast material available, so I bandaged her arm, making her a nice little pink jacket. Now, I've had some experience with monkeys and fractures, and I was pretty confident that my technique would work. AND she looked great in pink!
Outwitted by a monkey, again.
The next day Magda and I tried again. This time we put a nice splint on, and taped the makeshift "cast" to her arm.
She got this one off in 3 hours.
Never underestimate the determination of a monkey.
Take three was a splint, wrap, and tape all the way around her body, and the whole thing smeared with a yucky tasting paste.
This one stayed on for 6 days!!!
Yesterday Magda and I looked at her again - the bone is healing nicely, and the elbow is still in place - yay! We put yet another bandage on, and as of today, she only has the outer layer off... little stinker! But even if she gets this on off, I thing her arm will heal well.
Felt good being a monkey doctor again - even if I was outwitted...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
25 years
Today is Bob and my 25th wedding anniversary! A quarter of a century - geez we are getting old...
I am so lucky to have a husband that supports my passion for the work I'm doing here in Rwanda. Who didn't bat an eye (well barely batted an eye, anyway!) when I first mentioned that I saw the add, and that maybe I would apply for the position. He supported me as I struggled to decide whether or not to leave the comfort of my position at the zoo, the comfort of my home and family. He helped me pack, shared my excitement and trepidation as I prepared for this journey. And he stayed home, holding down the fort while I live my dream. He even promised to be nice to the cats while I'm away!
I am so lucky. I love you Bob.
See you in 2 weeks!!!
I am so lucky to have a husband that supports my passion for the work I'm doing here in Rwanda. Who didn't bat an eye (well barely batted an eye, anyway!) when I first mentioned that I saw the add, and that maybe I would apply for the position. He supported me as I struggled to decide whether or not to leave the comfort of my position at the zoo, the comfort of my home and family. He helped me pack, shared my excitement and trepidation as I prepared for this journey. And he stayed home, holding down the fort while I live my dream. He even promised to be nice to the cats while I'm away!
I am so lucky. I love you Bob.
See you in 2 weeks!!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Orphan photos
A good friend of Magda's is a professional photographer. He captured these wonderful images of some of our gorilla orphans. Check out his website at www.adamwoodhams.com.
I can't believe I have been given the opportunity to work with these guys. I still sometimes can't believe I'm in Africa.
By the way, Tuck is doing much better!
I can't believe I have been given the opportunity to work with these guys. I still sometimes can't believe I'm in Africa.
By the way, Tuck is doing much better!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuck
The good news is that Mukecuru, the old female in Pablo group who lost her infant last week is much improved. She is still carrying the dead baby, but behaving normally, eating well.
The bad news is that Tuck, the old female that was with Titus when he died is declining. Gorillas, like people (and most mammals, for that matter) form bonds with specific other individuals - Tuck had been with Titus for years, even staying with him when all the other females went with another silverback some months ago. She has been following Rano and his small all male group since Titus died. Her young son Segasira has become fully integrated into the group, but Tuck stays on the periphery. Several days ago she showed up with a laceration on her head, but seemed fine. Today trackers report that she seems lethargic and/or weak; moving even more slowly than she usually does. Jean Felix is going to observe her tomorrow. She is 37, and the oldest female with a known birth date. A little too much Deja vu.
The bad news is that Tuck, the old female that was with Titus when he died is declining. Gorillas, like people (and most mammals, for that matter) form bonds with specific other individuals - Tuck had been with Titus for years, even staying with him when all the other females went with another silverback some months ago. She has been following Rano and his small all male group since Titus died. Her young son Segasira has become fully integrated into the group, but Tuck stays on the periphery. Several days ago she showed up with a laceration on her head, but seemed fine. Today trackers report that she seems lethargic and/or weak; moving even more slowly than she usually does. Jean Felix is going to observe her tomorrow. She is 37, and the oldest female with a known birth date. A little too much Deja vu.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Captain Crunch with Crunch Berries!!!
I am eating a bowl as we speak - THANK YOU SANDY AND JIM!!!!!!!!
I laid low yesterday, caught up on emails (as much as one can catch up on emails these days...) and am feeling better this morning. I also planted onions and kohlrabi from seeds, transplanted some beans and squash, and transplanted some flowers. Sara - my 2 "free" tomato plants are doing really well! Sorry to all you northern hemisphere folks - we have a year round growing season here! Felt good to work in the garden. I had been getting a bit frustrated with some silly political and personnel issues, and gardening is my therapy.
And this monring when our guard Faustin walked into my office with my package my mood lifted considerably!!!!
I laid low yesterday, caught up on emails (as much as one can catch up on emails these days...) and am feeling better this morning. I also planted onions and kohlrabi from seeds, transplanted some beans and squash, and transplanted some flowers. Sara - my 2 "free" tomato plants are doing really well! Sorry to all you northern hemisphere folks - we have a year round growing season here! Felt good to work in the garden. I had been getting a bit frustrated with some silly political and personnel issues, and gardening is my therapy.
And this monring when our guard Faustin walked into my office with my package my mood lifted considerably!!!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Fatigue...
Woke up with my first bout of lower intestinal disorder last night (I think you know what I mean...) and had to get up at 5am for a forest visit. The female who lost her newborn was reported to be very weak yesterday. After a 45 minute walk to the park wall and then 2 hours, up hill to the group, all the while hoping I didn't have to use the BIF (I made it with only one stop...), we found Pablo group. There are 46 gorillas in that group and I got to meet Cantsbe - the last gorilla from the Dian Fossey days. Impressive silverback, and as always I was in awe in his presence. The old female was somewhat improved, eating and moving with more strength. Magda and I discussed her case with trackers and decided not to intervene today. The trackers will stay with her the rest of the day, and check her first thing tomorrow. I hope she continues to improve. We couldn't recover the body of her baby because she is still carrying it. Very, very sad. But the rest of the group was a wonder to watch - one young male sat near us the whole time we were observing the group. I suspect he wrote in his notes that afternoon: "the mzungu with white hair looked tired and sick. Will need to keep an eye on her..."
I am really, really tired after today's hike, but still stronger than I was 8 weeks ago! Guts are better this evening, in case you were wondering...
There has been a gecko hatch near my office - look who I saw last night:
I am really, really tired after today's hike, but still stronger than I was 8 weeks ago! Guts are better this evening, in case you were wondering...
There has been a gecko hatch near my office - look who I saw last night:
Friday, October 2, 2009
Crazy week
Here's the rundown:
On Sunday John, Molly and I went to a lake just north of Ruhengeri. We drove about 30 minutes on the paved road, then about 90 minutes on a windy dirt road through the mountains until we found the lake. It was lovely, and HUGE. We drove to the top of the lake, stopping to take pictures now and then, and found a great waterfall. There are small towns dotting the mountains, and people everywhere. Here are some of the pictures from that trip (I ran out of battery before we got to the waterfall - rats!). It was a fun day off - the first full day off I've taken in a while!
Monday I went to the forest for a health check on Kwitonda group. It was wonderful to be in the midst of a healthy family group. Kwintonda is the silverback, massive and young and healthy. There are several juveniles, and we caught them during a play session. Rough and tumble wrestling, twirling, punching, laughing and grunting. The whole visit was reguvinating for me. Here are a couple pictures from that adventure - an adult female who was munching on bamboo shoots and a curious baby in the bamboo.
Tuesday several of us went to Rumangabo, DRC to check out a new facility for the two mountain gorilla babies in Goma, DRC. Long, long drive over bumpy roads, and a long, but productive day. I'll tell this story at length soon.We also had to examine a baby Red-tailed monkey (used to be called Spot nosed guenons) that had been confiscated. VERY cute.
Wednesday I had to go back to DRC because there was a sick 3 year old gorilla. Eddy (one of our veterinarians in DRC) and I visited the group and found that this little girl had a terrible cold - runny nose, coughing, lethargic and not eating much. We treated her with antibiotics, hoping to help her get over the hump. Molly went with us and photographed the procedure - her story will be on the MGVP blog in the next week or so, along with her pictures. Here's a preview - I found another chameleon - this time a Jackson's. Molly took this picture. Pretty cool!
That same day there was a newborn gorilla in Pablo group, one of the Rwanda research groups, researchers reported had cried all day yesterday. Magda went to that group and the female and her infant could not be found, even after a 3 hour search. We were pretty worried. Then we got a call from Benard, the MGVP veterinarian in Uganda. There had been a fight in one of the groups and 2 silverbacks had injuries that needed to be evaluated. But Benard was sick, so Jean Felix had to go. Turns out the injuries are not major - trackers will monitor them until Benard does a recheck next week.
So we had sick or injured animals in all three countries on the same day. In vet school I was sort of an emergency magnet. I sure hope that ability has not followed me here....
Thursday the mom and baby in Pablo group could not be found again. Now we were really worried. But got good news from Congo - the juvenile we treated yesterday was looking better today. So it was a bit of a quite day at the office. I used the day to catch up on my desk work - after 3 days in the field I was SWAMPED!
Today we learned that the newborn has died, and the mother is very weak. We are making preparations to go into the forest tomorrow to assess, and immobilize her for diagnostic and treatment procedures if necessary. I hope we can help her. We also got a call that a golden monkey was weak and near death right near Hirwa group. Magda went up and by the time she got there the monkey had died. At necropsy his liver was the size of Texas - lets hope it is not infectious disease... Many, many samples were taken....
So it has been a crazy week. I'm pooped! But, I got a PACKAGE today from Megan and Kyle!!! Thank you!!!! I had salt and vinegar chips and mac and cheese for dinner!!!
On Sunday John, Molly and I went to a lake just north of Ruhengeri. We drove about 30 minutes on the paved road, then about 90 minutes on a windy dirt road through the mountains until we found the lake. It was lovely, and HUGE. We drove to the top of the lake, stopping to take pictures now and then, and found a great waterfall. There are small towns dotting the mountains, and people everywhere. Here are some of the pictures from that trip (I ran out of battery before we got to the waterfall - rats!). It was a fun day off - the first full day off I've taken in a while!
Monday I went to the forest for a health check on Kwitonda group. It was wonderful to be in the midst of a healthy family group. Kwintonda is the silverback, massive and young and healthy. There are several juveniles, and we caught them during a play session. Rough and tumble wrestling, twirling, punching, laughing and grunting. The whole visit was reguvinating for me. Here are a couple pictures from that adventure - an adult female who was munching on bamboo shoots and a curious baby in the bamboo.
Tuesday several of us went to Rumangabo, DRC to check out a new facility for the two mountain gorilla babies in Goma, DRC. Long, long drive over bumpy roads, and a long, but productive day. I'll tell this story at length soon.We also had to examine a baby Red-tailed monkey (used to be called Spot nosed guenons) that had been confiscated. VERY cute.
Wednesday I had to go back to DRC because there was a sick 3 year old gorilla. Eddy (one of our veterinarians in DRC) and I visited the group and found that this little girl had a terrible cold - runny nose, coughing, lethargic and not eating much. We treated her with antibiotics, hoping to help her get over the hump. Molly went with us and photographed the procedure - her story will be on the MGVP blog in the next week or so, along with her pictures. Here's a preview - I found another chameleon - this time a Jackson's. Molly took this picture. Pretty cool!
That same day there was a newborn gorilla in Pablo group, one of the Rwanda research groups, researchers reported had cried all day yesterday. Magda went to that group and the female and her infant could not be found, even after a 3 hour search. We were pretty worried. Then we got a call from Benard, the MGVP veterinarian in Uganda. There had been a fight in one of the groups and 2 silverbacks had injuries that needed to be evaluated. But Benard was sick, so Jean Felix had to go. Turns out the injuries are not major - trackers will monitor them until Benard does a recheck next week.
So we had sick or injured animals in all three countries on the same day. In vet school I was sort of an emergency magnet. I sure hope that ability has not followed me here....
Thursday the mom and baby in Pablo group could not be found again. Now we were really worried. But got good news from Congo - the juvenile we treated yesterday was looking better today. So it was a bit of a quite day at the office. I used the day to catch up on my desk work - after 3 days in the field I was SWAMPED!
Today we learned that the newborn has died, and the mother is very weak. We are making preparations to go into the forest tomorrow to assess, and immobilize her for diagnostic and treatment procedures if necessary. I hope we can help her. We also got a call that a golden monkey was weak and near death right near Hirwa group. Magda went up and by the time she got there the monkey had died. At necropsy his liver was the size of Texas - lets hope it is not infectious disease... Many, many samples were taken....
So it has been a crazy week. I'm pooped! But, I got a PACKAGE today from Megan and Kyle!!! Thank you!!!! I had salt and vinegar chips and mac and cheese for dinner!!!
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