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Jaci's Newsletters |
10 March 2008 |
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SOME DAYS ARE
MORE REWARDING THAN OTHERS
First time visitors to Africa are great
to have at Jaci’s, and even greater to share
the African wilderness with, however when it’s
been their life-long dream and we have been chosen
to make it come true; it makes long hours and busy
days all very worthwhile.
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Such was the case
with young James Dunn who visited us recently
from the UK with his family. James who has the
rare genetic condition EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa)
had longed to come to Africa and through DEBRA
(a National Charity exclusively committed to
the support and care of families affected by
EB) was made possible.
Young James who has never walked in his whole life abandoned his wheelchair
for a trusty Landcruiser next to Shorty (AKA Neil) for 4 days of serious game
viewing. Everything worked in their favour with excellent sighting of lion,
African wild dog, elephant and general game including zebra, giraffe and Impala.
One evening they were even graced with a brief visual of a hunting leopard
which made a kill close to their vehicle.
Shorty being the man he is always had something up his sleeve, so on night
number three no ordinary game drive was to be expected.
When Madikwe’s field ecologist (Declan Hofmeyer) gave us the green light
to join him on one of his field operations Shorty was quick to react. “C’mon
James, let’s hit the road while the suns still high”.
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They
met with Declan as the pack of 16 wild dogs was
just starting to move after a nice long day’s
rest next to a small vlei (wetland). The operation
(which was to identify the reason of some strange
wounds on the animals) was quick and easy, however,
gave James the opportunity of a lifetime to get
up close and personal with one of Africa’s
most rare predators.
The
quote of the day would have to have been from
James’s mom, Lesley,
who was keen on telling Declan to “step aside” as her experience
with James’s bandaging process probably made her better equipped to apply
ointment to the dog than Declan….!
A great afternoon was had by all, and we were all taken aback by James’s
attitude toward what must be a difficult life. And for us on the ground, it
was very rewarding to be part of his dream.
Keep well James, and we look forward to catching up with you in later years.
The dogs condition was later identified to be that of a Bont-Legged tick bite,
and left to heal under its own devices.
Deon De Villiers
Jaci’s Safari lodge & Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
If you would like to read more about James,
and his rare condition visit: www.debra.org.uk
Remember: giving and sharing changes lives…! |
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