Greetings to all from Namibia,
Last week I reported on a couple of health issues with six of our cheetahs. I am happy to report to you that most of the visible symptoms earlier detected have subsided. Also, the health of each cheetah has greatly improved as the current prognosis is excellent. The rapid response of our cheetah professionals assured these cheetahs immediate and appropriate care. Based on their symptoms, the subsequent appropriate medical protocol, and especially the ever-vigilant effort of our cheetah keeper, each of these magnificent predators are expected to make full recoveries. Accordingly, the two having suspected 'bee' stings have already recovered fully.
Today a large film crew arrived at CCF. The crew will spend the next few days filming our cheetahs in their natural habitat and during their 'cheetah lure' activity. The crew is made up of individuals, some of who have participated on the production of I-Max films. Also, many of them possess extensive 3-D experience. Their two-person balloon, which sailed over Center Field ((Little Serengeti as many of you know it) this afternoon, reads "African Safari 3-D." I will report next week on their total experience during their filming here at CCF and especially their purpose and how their film footage will be used to further the survival of the cheetah.
Until next, this is
Ron Marks
from Cheetah Land
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The captive cheetah's health
During the previous week a number of our cheetahs at CCF have been observed ailing from undetermined causes. Our cheetah keeper, Juliette reported to the director and veterinarian personnel immediately upon discovery that certain issues have occurred, requiring timely medical attention and daily observation. At this time no cheetah appears to be at serious risk. However, with the administration of normal medical protocol, each cheetah appears to be responding to medication. Initial diagnosis suggests that an unknown virus might be affecting four cheetah and possible insect or snake bites are affecting two other cheetahs. Coughing by the cheetahs having a possible virus and swelling by the cheetahs suspected of insect or snake bites are the readily noticeable symptoms. Twice daily observation of these six cheetahs has been the order of the day since detection of the initial symptoms.
Last week I reported on the many and varied cheetah keeper responsibilities. Providing constant vigilance on these cheetahs is a primary duty of the cheetah keeper. Presently, Dr Marker, Juliette and veterinarian staff are keeping a constant eye on these cheetahs. There are thus far no indications of a potential epidemic. However, CCF is preparing to handle such a situation if it does become such. Because these two situations continue to be of concern, and since symptoms have not yet subsided, I will report next week on the prognosis and health of these cheetahs.
Until next, this is
Ron Marks
from Cheetah Land
Last week I reported on the many and varied cheetah keeper responsibilities. Providing constant vigilance on these cheetahs is a primary duty of the cheetah keeper. Presently, Dr Marker, Juliette and veterinarian staff are keeping a constant eye on these cheetahs. There are thus far no indications of a potential epidemic. However, CCF is preparing to handle such a situation if it does become such. Because these two situations continue to be of concern, and since symptoms have not yet subsided, I will report next week on the prognosis and health of these cheetahs.
Until next, this is
Ron Marks
from Cheetah Land
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Routine of a Cheetah Keeper
Greetings again from Namibia, Cheetah capital of the world. I last posted three weeks ago. Sorry for the absence. Hopefully I'll be resuming weekly postings of my saga at CCF beginning today.
During my volunteer stint here I have had the pleasure of observing and assisting past and present cheetah keepers. Remarkably these dedicated personnel place the safety and quality of the cheetah's life at levels comparable to their own. I am greatly impressed with the sacrifices these ambitious conservationist make every day. Amazingly, cheetah keepers maintain a long list of daily responsibilities and accomplish each detailed task right down to filling holes created by pesky warthogs. Their life is devoted to ensuring that these endangered species continue to survive in captivity. Many of the cheetahs do in fact, make it back to the wild, where they are intended to resume their survival. Whether a cheetah remains in captivity or is later released, the cheetah keepers daily care for them requires the basics such as feeding, examining pen fences, cleaning the pens, providing water and observing each cheetah to determine their continued health. There are many other tasks that the cheetah keeper performs. They assist in medical care either by administering medications while feeding, or assisting veterinarian personnel during exams. They organize the transport, delivery and return of cheetahs to their pens following medical exams. Coordinating with key support personnel is a never-ending chore that is critical to the cheetah's survival and health in captivity. Accordingly, food preparation, vehicle availability, road and trail clearance, logistical support for water, fencing and pen maintenance never end. The keepers are also charged with subtle tasks such as close observation of each cheetah to see if their condition remains normal. Changes in their status, such as minor injury must be noticed immediately. Any contact with humans must be assessed by the keeper to ensure stress to the cheetah is kept to a minimum. Routine checks of fence lines are basically a daily job. In the wild there are many wildlife nuisances which like to bore holes beneath fence lines or they simply like to ram the fence or jump them, sometimes unsuccessfully. Many of their daily tasks entail organizing teams to feed, perform maintenance and repair. Safety is always of paramount importance when caring for captive cheetahs. Cheetah keepers tirelessly work to assure this for each cheetah charged to his/her care. Although the cheetah is a predator and should always be recognized as such, cheetah keepers provide care and safety to cheetahs comparable to that which owners do for their domestic pets. In their race for survival, the cheetah needs a constant ally. The cheetah keeper is just that, the cheetahs closest ally.
Until next, this is
Ron Marks
from Cheetah Land
During my volunteer stint here I have had the pleasure of observing and assisting past and present cheetah keepers. Remarkably these dedicated personnel place the safety and quality of the cheetah's life at levels comparable to their own. I am greatly impressed with the sacrifices these ambitious conservationist make every day. Amazingly, cheetah keepers maintain a long list of daily responsibilities and accomplish each detailed task right down to filling holes created by pesky warthogs. Their life is devoted to ensuring that these endangered species continue to survive in captivity. Many of the cheetahs do in fact, make it back to the wild, where they are intended to resume their survival. Whether a cheetah remains in captivity or is later released, the cheetah keepers daily care for them requires the basics such as feeding, examining pen fences, cleaning the pens, providing water and observing each cheetah to determine their continued health. There are many other tasks that the cheetah keeper performs. They assist in medical care either by administering medications while feeding, or assisting veterinarian personnel during exams. They organize the transport, delivery and return of cheetahs to their pens following medical exams. Coordinating with key support personnel is a never-ending chore that is critical to the cheetah's survival and health in captivity. Accordingly, food preparation, vehicle availability, road and trail clearance, logistical support for water, fencing and pen maintenance never end. The keepers are also charged with subtle tasks such as close observation of each cheetah to see if their condition remains normal. Changes in their status, such as minor injury must be noticed immediately. Any contact with humans must be assessed by the keeper to ensure stress to the cheetah is kept to a minimum. Routine checks of fence lines are basically a daily job. In the wild there are many wildlife nuisances which like to bore holes beneath fence lines or they simply like to ram the fence or jump them, sometimes unsuccessfully. Many of their daily tasks entail organizing teams to feed, perform maintenance and repair. Safety is always of paramount importance when caring for captive cheetahs. Cheetah keepers tirelessly work to assure this for each cheetah charged to his/her care. Although the cheetah is a predator and should always be recognized as such, cheetah keepers provide care and safety to cheetahs comparable to that which owners do for their domestic pets. In their race for survival, the cheetah needs a constant ally. The cheetah keeper is just that, the cheetahs closest ally.
Until next, this is
Ron Marks
from Cheetah Land
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)