Wildt Tales, September 2006

Mission
“To ensure the long-term survival of predators, specifically the cheetah and wild dog in their natural environment”

To achieve its mission the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust has an extensive community outreach and education program and a strategic breeding plan. The Trust conducts research on wildlife disease and nutrition and in South Africa it has implemented a national plan for the conservation of free-roaming cheetah.

Steve Irwin – a legacy of conservation

The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust team are saddened by the untimely and tragic death of conservation great Steve Irwin, otherwise known as the Crocodile Hunter. Irwin’s charitable foundation Wildlife Warriors has been a great supporter of the De Wildt Wild Cheetah Project. Through the Foundation relocated wild cheetah were provided with collars to ensure regular monitoring after release. The following website will provide more information www.wildlifewarriors.org.au. Steve Irwin will be sorely missed. He was one of the world’s greatest environmental educators and conservationists. The Trustees and staff of the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust send heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the staff of the Australia Zoo.

First International Ambassador announced

Marsha Duemke of Denver, Colorado was awarded this honour at a special dinner at the De Wildt Cheetah Lodge. Marsha and her husband Emmett have been involved with De Wildt for 6 years. Marsha, who has a passion for wildlife and particularly cheetah found the De Wildt website while searching for information on wild cats and was the first person ever to adopt one of De Wildt’s cheetahs. Her wild ‘children’ also include wild dog and brown hyaena. The Duemke family were also the first guests at the Lodge and each year they bring friends and family to visit South Africa and of course our Centre. Kelly Marnewick, Research Officer of the Wild Cheetah Project has a vehicle sponsored by the Duemke Family Foundation. Marsha tirelessly and enthusiastically spreads the word about De Wildt’s work wherever she goes. Marsha – thank you for being a special friend to us.

Cheetah Challenger

A young male cheetah was captured in the farm Koedoesfontein in Thabazimbi. The farm belongs to Mr Sethi who is based in the USA and is managed by Mr Willem Engelbrecht. Initially, Willem called to complain about the cheetahs, but after chatting to Deon, he and Mr Sethi decided to allow is to collar and release any cheetahs that were caught. Ten days after setting the cage, Challenger was caught. He was fitted with a cell phone collar that was sponsored by Cheetah Outreach and Annie Beckhelling named him. Ann van Dyk accompanied Kelly to the collaring, as did Kiersten Herring. Kiersten is a guide at De Wildt and is also doing her MSc on extracting DNA from cheetah scat.

Cheetah Rakhee is collared

A few weeks later, Deon and Kelly were back on Koedoesfontein to collar another captured cheetah. This time the mature male was named by the farm owner Mr Sethi, who called him Rakhee after is daughter. Rakhee was also fitted with a cell collar sponsored by African Wildlife Tracking (AWT) and released back onto the farm. We are very grateful to our new and enthusiastic supporters on Koedoesfontein and we would like to thank Mr Sethi and Willem Engelbrecht for this opportunity.

First Lady and Blue Peter

A huge female was trapped with her sub adult male cub at a scent marking tree on the farm Mabulskop between Lephalale and Thabazimbi in Limpopo. The cheetahs were named by one of the landowners children. The female was called First Lady because she is the first female that we have managed to collar. The cub was called Blue Peter because his radio collar was blue! We would like to thank the Mabulskop owners for their ongoing support of our project.

Cub Raising

Another significant partnership with Cheetah Outreach in the Western Cape is the cub raising project. This year 4 cubs destined to be ambassadors at 2 separate facilities in California are in the expert care of Kat Bell from New Zealand, and Beryl Patterson from the USA. Both Kat and Beryl are veterinary nurses and together with their team of volunteers the cubs receive round the clock attention. Again British Airways showed their style and professionalism in flying Alan Strachan, Curator of the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust and cubs to the 5 star cheetah facility in the Cape.

Anatolian Guard Dogs

The Cheetah Outreach and De Wildt partnership on the Anatolian guarding dog programme is going from strength to strength. Seven dogs have been placed in areas where cheetah still occur naturally and reports from farmers are extremely positive. The dogs are placed as follows: Boleyn – Thabazimbi, Kiwi – Thabazimbi, Gillian – Ellisras, Simba – Alldays, Guardian – Alldays, Warrior – Stokpoort, Joe – Bray, Uthaya – on a farm outside Cape Town.

CAPE GRIFFON VULTURE COMPLETES AN EPIC JOURNEY

A one year old Cape Griffon (Gyps coprotheres) vulture made an epic trek across three international boundaries from South Africa to Namibia in 190 days. This young vulture was rescued by children of the Indermark community at Blouberg in Limpopo and rehabilitated at the De Wildt Vulture Unit in the Magaliesberg. Upon its release it flew off with a yellow wing tag number B017 and this was what triggered Maria Diekmann’s interest on Thursday last week when the vulture arrived at their vulture restaurant close to the Waterberg north of Otjiwarongo.

The De Wildt Vulture Unit rehabilitates injured, poisoned and orphaned vultures of which a significant number come from the Blouberg Cape Griffon colony in Limpopo. As the Cape Griffon is near extinct in Namibia, a number of these birds have been sent, via jetliners, to the Rare and Endangered Species Trust (REST) in Namibia for a population supplementation project in northern Namibia. This particular bird however, did not require an airticket or a CITES permit for his epic journey! Kerri Wolter, manager of the De Wildt Vulture Unit at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust in the Magaliesberg rehabilitated the young vulture that came from Blouberg and together with the Wildlife Biodiversity Resources (wBR) of the National Zoological Gardens (NZG), fitted the bird with a wing tag as part of a pilot study on the tracking of released rehabilitated vultures as well as a nationwide study in collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Bird of Prey Working Group to track movements of vultures on the sub-continent.

The vulture was released on the game farm Nyoka Ridge, owned by Kerri Wolter and Paul Bartels, on the second of February this year. The farm is situated near the Scheerpoort Cape Griffon colony in the Magaliesberg and it was hoped that the vulture would survive and contribute to the survival of this endangered species. To the surprise of the researchers, the vulture flew across the western region of South Africa, then over Botswana to reach its destination in northern Namibia, covering well over 1,500 kilometers. Vultures are soaring birds and thus require suitable thermal conditions to fly. This means that the vulture would have had to roost many nights somewhere in the bush after a day’s journey. The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust accommodates a large number of captive vultures for the purposes of research, education, breeding and rehabilitation. The De Wildt Vulture Unit was a key player in the search for the answers to the detrimental effects of diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug that was responsible for the recent decimation of the Asian Oriental white-backed vulture.

Tracking vultures to determine their movements is part of the De Wildt Vulture Unit’s commitment to the saving of this majestic species. Some vultures have been fitted with cellular tracking devises and this has also proven to be a valuable method of tracking the birds in real time. The De Wildt Vulture Unit is grateful to its collaborators and sponsors, without whom our work would not be possible: Sasol; Rand Merchant; Computer Facilities; Eskom; BirdlifeSA; EWT; NZG and the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Pretoria.

A Special Friend of Cheetah

Melissa Jordaan is a young South African attending an International school in Hamburg, Germany. She recently bought a book on the facts and records regarding mammals. She learned that the cheetah is the fastest mammal on earth but also realised with great concern that cheetahs are near extinction. This raised a great concern in the heart of a South African child. She has made the decision to call on her friends at the International school and ask them to assist her in helping these beautiful animals. She had to do a small presentation to the Headmaster in order to receive his consent to go ahead with her project. Word spread fast and everyone at Melissa’s school has been very positive.

Electricity and snakes

Thanks to Eskom, South Africa’s electricity supplier the De Wildt Outreach Education team were able to present a workshop on electricity and snakes. The young people learnt that it is important to respect both. Snakes can be terrifying creatures and many people associate them with bad luck and they are often killed unnecessarily. The Outreach Education Team arranges an annual snake awareness day with kids from local communities. Andrew Jackson from the Ivory Tree Reserve brings a tree snake, a puffadder, a spitting cobra, a python and a brown house snake each year. The young people learn about the habits, venom and how to deal with bites. The most popular snake that Andrew brings is a python and squeals of delight are heard when each person poses with this beautiful reptile.

Onkgopotse a pupil from the Tsogo High School had the following to say after the workshop, ‘Some snakes help us but we don’t don’t know because we grow up knowing that when you see a snake you must kill it. After Andrew talked to us and informed us about harmless snakes I told myself that I will never kill another snake’

Lerato said, ‘I felt honoured to be the first to hold a snake, since from birth I’ve never touched a snake before’

Rose said, ‘When I was still a child I used to think snakes deserve to die. But now I know how snakes are important, after Andrew told me how much they play a role in our lives, eg snakes like brown house snakes get rid of rats and mice’.

SHASHE-LIMPOPO PREDATOR RESEARCH GROUP (SLPRG)

SLPRG focuses on the conservation o the six large predators (cheetah, wild dog, brown hyaena, spotted hyaena, leopard and lion) that occur in the area of the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers. This is also the area where South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe meet. The meeting was held on Charter Reserve on the banks of the Limpopo in the Tuli Block, Botswana. An exciting outcome of this meeting is a collaborative paper that will be written on the presence-absence of the large carnivores in the three countries as well as the attitudes of the landowners as well as land use types. The meeting is also a great opportunity to catch up with our colleagues from Cheetah Conservation Botswana. We were even lucky enough to see two cheetahs catch a hare on an evening game drive!!!

USA partnerships provides vital support to the Trust

Vanessa Bouwer travelled to the USA in July and visited donors, in Beverly Hills, Denver, Occidental, Santa Rosa and Reno. Every event was graced with cheetah that originated from De Wildt. Vanessa was overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown to her throughout her journey. Lunches, cocktail parties and receptions were staged in support of De Wildt. The first event was organised at an Automobile Museum in Reno. The combination of beautiful cars and teenage cheetahs, Moyo and Jamar, left supporters speechless. A very moving musical tribute called ‘Sanctuary’ written by Mike Brown ensured that there was not a dry eye in the audience. Mike’s song speaks of De Wildt being a sanctuary not only for animals but for people too. Thanks to Aaron and Diane Hibbel and all at Animal Ark for this memorable start to Vanessa’s trip.

Rob and Barbara Dicelly always pull out all the stops to ensure a fabulous lunch time event for cheetah lovers. Barbara’s delicious lunch combined with a cheetah run ensured that all guests had a fun filled day. A surprise visit from Catheryn Hilker of the Angel Fund made the day extra special. Thanks to The Wild Cat Education and Conservation Fund and Catheryn and all who attended and supported this event. Vanessa was treated like a queen in Beverly hills and Michael and Brenda Sandler in their characteristic stylish way provided an event in their gracious home that will long be remembered.

Safari West in California is one of the most authentic experiences on can have in the USA. With cheetah ambassadors and the attention to detail of Marie and her team the cheetah message went even further. Milton and Sarah Rieback from South Africa also saw to it that Vanessa felt at home. Milton has written a book titled “The Adventures of Webb Ellis. The Return of the Protectors” which was dedicated to De Wildt. This book can be ordered directly from Milton at srieback@safariwest.com. Denver has a large number of spotted cat fans and the events this year were extremely well attended. Two presentations aimed at families were held at the Wildlife Expo – Over 500 people saw Rob and Barbara’s of Leopard Etc cheetah, one a king and the other a normal coat. Both were born at De Wildt and are now working as ambassadors in the USA for their wild brothers and sisters in the Africa.

A cocktail event as held at the Holiday Inn Select. The venue was generously donated by Toby Pippen. Wonderful auction items were donated and bidding was fast and competitive. The Duemke Family have been loyal and steadfast supporters of De Wildt and together with a band of fantastic volunteers wonderful events are always staged.

To all the new adoptive parents, donors, volunteers, friends and supporters of De Wildt who made this trip so successful a huge THANK YOU. Every Dollar raised makes a difference. Thanks to Schenker who donated Vanessa’s air ticket - 100% of money raised could be used for cheetah and wild dog conservation.

Power failures and stolen cables

Sometimes life in South Africa can be very frustrating. Cable theft is a reality of life here that results in the loss of electricity which in turn means that our boreholes cannot be powered, our phones cannot be answered and of course we cannot access e-mail. Recently cables that were cut in three places resulted in a power cut that lasted 24 hours. Of course this all impacts on you as we often cannot respond promptly, e-mails get lost and mount up.

Adoption programme receives a new mom

We are thrilled to report that Claudine Young has joined us as our full time animal adoption programme co-ordinator. Many adoptive parents have wanted more information on their adopted animals and due to the fact that we did not have enough capacity to do this they often did not get the information. If you would like an update write to Claudine on cheetah@dewildt.org.za. We have an adoptive parents day scheduled for January, we’ll keep you posted.

Adoptions

Welcome to all the new adoptive parents – whose names are listed below. Your support is vital and ensures top notch care for our animals.
Diamond Level
Craig Wayne, Marie Wayne, Jessica Blunk, Luke & Kylie Kisby, Gray Training, Penelope Gracie, Robert Warth, Louise Reed & Greg Kilfoil, Lauren and Kristen Pan, Kendall & Ford Smith, Maria Joao Pavao Serra, Marcia Cushall, Robert & Leanne Gesink, Michele & Michael Mathews, Hayden & Karen Goument, Alicia Schimeneck, Annelize Greyling
Platinum Level
Dave & Marla Hummel, Kyle & Jordan Beam, Julie Vandendool, Leilah Ramsdale, Denise and Clive Kneale, Calista Madison Fyfe
Gold Level
Rudyard Harrison, Penny Harrison, Sieghart Drews (x2), Ellen Tsuei, Ellen Watkins, Abbey Perry, Grace Perry, Shelley Hofmann, Laura Miller, Killian & Kurtis Sherer, Jacob Wahlenmaier
Silver Level
Paula Marland, The Carlson Family, Pierre & Lara Coetzer, Sasha Kahn, Kyle Carrozza, Ilana, Lucas & Layla Lowenstein, Ama Pavao Serra, Lourenco Pavao Serra, Joao Pavao Serra, Lynn Black, Abi Hosier, Jason Farnworth, Lynn and Ric, Kim Brown, Yasmin Prince, Nicole Mackie, Natascha Pogulis, Nicole Waugh, Kayleigh Clark, Stefanie Hagerty and Diana Holland, Natalie Lyon, Brazee Smith, Bobbi Moore, Kali Shaffer, Kyle & Kait Cottengim, Karen Lishman, John J Orefice, Keith and Kat Cone, Kevin Hale, Lynda Wilson, Marisa Perez, Taryn & Abby Cook, Jack & Michelle Mantin, Lisa Swartz, Suzanne & Maddie Teal, Karen Levin, Lauren Williams, Marsha Joseph, Jose & Boumrad, Marieta Heslinga, Linda Bouwer, Teddi Maclean, Rhiannen & Whitney Walker, Colleen J Mackay, Annelize Greyling, Michelle Brits
Renewals
Diamond Level
David & Lorraine Pring, Jonathan Long, Nicola Goemans, Pugin Family,
Platinum
Paul & Bonnie Zueger
Gold
Reed Fisher, P D Rosema, Dee Hutchinson, Brigitta Gehl, Monika Gehl
Silver
Terra Treatment, Raelene Robertson, Ginny & Gareth Hickling, Gordana Hrovat, Katie Burbidge, Mary Schuster, Cynthia Edgerton

Maintenance Expertise

If you live near De Wildt and can bring along a team of willing and strong volunteers over a weekend we would appreciate it. There are a number of maintenance issues that need attention.

Should you wish to be on our newsletter list please contact us:
Cheetah@dewildt.org.za
We'd love to hear from you!!