Pictures of Thandi taken today at Kariega Game Reserve
Friday, March 30, 2012
Kariega rhino update Friday 30 March 2012
Kariega rhino: UPDATE FRIDAY 30 MARCH 2012 08H00
We received the following from Dr Fowlds.
"Even though our hands-on rhino time on Kariega has been dramatically reduced since the passing of Themba, the level of intensity that this whole operation generates is as high as ever. With only one living survivor left, Thandi’s future well-being has become an even greater priority than I thought possible. We knew she was special, we know she is a walking miracle but your beautiful comments and praises for this special young lady of the wild have emphasised just how precious she has become in the eyes of all those who follow her progress.
For the Kariega team this translates into even more responsibility as the pressures of success are tangible, the prospects of failure unthinkable. There can be no doubt that everyone on the team embraces this as an absolute privilege to keep this one alive and make her better.
Off the back of an exhausting week, trying to process the death of Themba and making sure we don’t lose focus of Thandi’s needs, I have been busy expanding our support base as we move into the next phase of Thandi’s care. The foundation for her future well-being is to get her as strong as possible. We are trying to schedule as little anaesthetic time as we can into her treatment plan over the next few weeks as she may well face long hours of surgical anaesthetics if we get to that point later.
In terms of her general progress, Thandi seems to be a little less stressed than she has been. She is spending slightly more time in the open areas again although a far cry from her pre-poaching days. We have not wanted to harass her so as far as we can ascertain she appears to be maintaining steady progress. The substantial amount of information we have learned from Themba continues to breathe life into the road ahead for Thandi. We have started receiving the first of the additional blood tests suggested by Prof Reyers which analyse more detail of their serum proteins through a process called electrophoresis, hence the term serum protein electrophoresis (SPE for future reference). We don’t yet have enough results to be able to draw useful conclusions but having the benefit of two cases in Themba and Thandi will assist us a lot in learning by comparison.
Their story is inspiring such an incredibly generous spirit, that offers of assistance have flowed freely. We have started to expand on the surgical team which will collaborate and consider if there is something that can be done for her face. It is quite clear that surgical options will not be as straight forward as what we would like to believe as we are, after all, helping a wild animal who lives in a very harsh environment for the purposes of post-surgical recovery. Part of this consideration is to research every known survivor and their injuries in an attempt to weigh up the possible benefits of surgery against the risks which could be involved.
Every additional team member we bring into this process is in this fight for the long haul and even at planning stages, we are trying our best to incorporate a long term strategy that will benefit future rhino under these circumstances.
Official poaching stats released this week (reflecting last week) have reached 146 for 2012, a staggering 1.7 rhino per day. The figures threaten to overwhelm us and sweep us into a state of despair. The fear of where this is heading could quite easily paralyse us if we don’t remain focused on that which we are able to do. In this war, being fought on so many sides, the most important thing is for each one of us to take care of our portion of the frontline; our sphere of influence, our network, our colleagues and our friends. This is where we will be most effective; this is our area of responsibility, something small every day.
Yesterday I did two more rhino presentations to children from 9 years old to folks in their seventies. Without exception, everyone is moved by the story of Themba and Thandi and the amazing revelation has been how everyone is able and inspired to play and active role in this fight. I feel the connection at so many age levels to their desperate struggle and people are starting to generate imaginative ways to express that connection and convert emotion into tangible action.
It is so encouraging to see the story of Themba, so desperately tragic in every way, germinate a desire to make a difference and turn this scourge around. I have yet to understand the full prophetic meaning in his name, Themba (HOPE). Could the hope that his name speaks of possibly lie not so much in who he was in his life, but what his life and death will inspire in you and me in the context of this crisis.
Maybe our response to his valiant struggle draws us out from the shadows of complacency and into the reality of our day. That reality speaks of lawlessness, greed and disregard for life. For now these monsters feed on the rhino. Beyond that will come elephant, tigers, polar bears and gorillas along with many others. Each death, each statistic, convincing us that we are too insignificant to do something about it. Each extinction crushing our hope until we too are dead inside.
Maybe, the hope of Themba is revealed as we see dormant seeds germinate into inspired action all around us and in turn inspiring us to draw from the courage which he exemplified.
I have started to witness this for myself in the past few days and this gives me great hope. As his story, like his name, gets spread by you from one person to the next around this world, that vital spirit, HOPE, lives on."
WE SALUTE YOU DR WILLIAM FOWLDS!
Kariega rhino update Thursday 29 March 2012
Kariega rhino: UPDATE THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2012 20H30
Thandi was sighted by the monitoring team early this morning, but since then she has retreated in to the thick bush. She appeared to be moving well.
We have been in Telephonic contact with Dr Fowlds. He will be assesing her in the next couple of Days in more detail.
... ... Just a reminder we will be at the KKNK festival in Oudtshoorn from Saturday 31 March 2012.
We will post shortly an image of One of the posters we have created to put up at the festival, which is a tribute to all of you out there that SHARE our story accross the world, ensuring that we can indeed make a difference and save this wonderful species!
Thank you once again!
Thandi was sighted by the monitoring team early this morning, but since then she has retreated in to the thick bush. She appeared to be moving well.
We have been in Telephonic contact with Dr Fowlds. He will be assesing her in the next couple of Days in more detail.
... ... Just a reminder we will be at the KKNK festival in Oudtshoorn from Saturday 31 March 2012.
We will post shortly an image of One of the posters we have created to put up at the festival, which is a tribute to all of you out there that SHARE our story accross the world, ensuring that we can indeed make a difference and save this wonderful species!
Thank you once again!
Kariega rhino update Wednesday 28 March 2012
Kariega Rhino: UPDATE WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2012 22H40
Thandi is still active and moving around with her companions! We will post a more in depth update tomorrow morning.
Once again we thank you for your support!
SHARING IS CARING!!!
Thandi is still active and moving around with her companions! We will post a more in depth update tomorrow morning.
Once again we thank you for your support!
SHARING IS CARING!!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Latest picture of Thandi - Kariega Rhino update
Latest picture of Thandi taken yesterday 27 March by Kariega rangers
Kariega Rhino update Tueday 27 March
Kariega update Tuesday 27 March 11pm
As we direct all our energy into the care of Thandi, the tributes to Themba and the wonderful Kariega team just pour in. We are completely overwhelmed by the comments we have received and I must hasten to add here how important it is to realise that I am just one of many dedicated people who have thrown themselves selflessly at this task. In fact I only spend a fraction of my time on Kariega compared to the rest of the team. Most of what I do for these rhino is on the phone and behind a laptop, something all of you are able to do too.
Kariega rangers sent me fresh images of Thandi today which are packed with information that is very valuable in our planning for the next phase of treatment. We are processing the information we have learned from Themba, including blood samples which were taken less than 24 hours before he died as this tells us so much about what we need to be modifying in Thandi's treatment plan. For example, the extent of muscle damage across the left side of Themba is very likely to have been mirrored in Thandi as she too lay for as long on her left side, possibly taking even more pressure on her ribs as we look back on the video images of day 1. It still amazes me, as I look at her most recent photo. What a walking miracle she is.
Comparative blood tests from Day 9, which give us an idea of acute muscle damage showed that Themba had a reading of 7715 (normal range between 60-1074) as against Thandi who had a reading of 1212. Both of these would have been higher than this in the days leading up to these tests.
Each blood sample taken had 31 different tests processed from it as well as other microscopic evaluations but in spite of this information, combined with observation, visual and photographic interpretations and hands on evaluation when we could, there were gaps in the information required to accurately assess everything. The challenge now is to find additional means to tell us what really goes on under that thick skin so that we can improve the chances of getting survivors back to health or end their suffering confident that they would not have made it even if we tried.
So, in spite of Themba's passing, we still continue to learn from him as his serum samples have been sent away for electrophoresis (CZE). Prof Reyers is going to continue assisting us with his vast experience in clinical pathology and Themba will be the yard sick against which we measure Thandi's parameters now that we understand the full extent of his injuries.
Des who is assisting Kariega with social media, posted official stats yesterday, provided by facebook, showing that through this channel alone over 45 000 people have followed the tragedy of Themba and Thandi. What is staggering is that if every one of us who have followed this story, shared it with all our facebook friends, we would potentially reach over 900 000 people. Many people ask me how they can make a difference in this war to save the rhino. My answer is always, awareness comes first, then worry about the rest.
The story of three precious rhino who enjoyed life side by side in the green grass of paradise. Three of God's creation who's bond with one another allowed poachers to butcher them one after the other. Three magnificent rhino with three very different stories. Who among us, will give up just a fraction of our day to expose their story to the world. Even one more minute to post/forward/share or comment in honour of what they have gone through.
These three victims have given us new ammunition to use in fighting this war. Ammunition which we choose to use passively, but which will change minds effectively. Our hearts and minds have been impacted by the reality of
their suffering. In a war fought on many fronts, YOU have the ability to make an impact in the battle to win over the hearts and minds of inconsiderate man.
As you read this remember you have the same tools in your hands as I have tonight. You may not be making the bullets but you certainly have the ability to fire the guns. Will fowlds
As we direct all our energy into the care of Thandi, the tributes to Themba and the wonderful Kariega team just pour in. We are completely overwhelmed by the comments we have received and I must hasten to add here how important it is to realise that I am just one of many dedicated people who have thrown themselves selflessly at this task. In fact I only spend a fraction of my time on Kariega compared to the rest of the team. Most of what I do for these rhino is on the phone and behind a laptop, something all of you are able to do too.
Kariega rangers sent me fresh images of Thandi today which are packed with information that is very valuable in our planning for the next phase of treatment. We are processing the information we have learned from Themba, including blood samples which were taken less than 24 hours before he died as this tells us so much about what we need to be modifying in Thandi's treatment plan. For example, the extent of muscle damage across the left side of Themba is very likely to have been mirrored in Thandi as she too lay for as long on her left side, possibly taking even more pressure on her ribs as we look back on the video images of day 1. It still amazes me, as I look at her most recent photo. What a walking miracle she is.
Comparative blood tests from Day 9, which give us an idea of acute muscle damage showed that Themba had a reading of 7715 (normal range between 60-1074) as against Thandi who had a reading of 1212. Both of these would have been higher than this in the days leading up to these tests.
Each blood sample taken had 31 different tests processed from it as well as other microscopic evaluations but in spite of this information, combined with observation, visual and photographic interpretations and hands on evaluation when we could, there were gaps in the information required to accurately assess everything. The challenge now is to find additional means to tell us what really goes on under that thick skin so that we can improve the chances of getting survivors back to health or end their suffering confident that they would not have made it even if we tried.
So, in spite of Themba's passing, we still continue to learn from him as his serum samples have been sent away for electrophoresis (CZE). Prof Reyers is going to continue assisting us with his vast experience in clinical pathology and Themba will be the yard sick against which we measure Thandi's parameters now that we understand the full extent of his injuries.
Des who is assisting Kariega with social media, posted official stats yesterday, provided by facebook, showing that through this channel alone over 45 000 people have followed the tragedy of Themba and Thandi. What is staggering is that if every one of us who have followed this story, shared it with all our facebook friends, we would potentially reach over 900 000 people. Many people ask me how they can make a difference in this war to save the rhino. My answer is always, awareness comes first, then worry about the rest.
The story of three precious rhino who enjoyed life side by side in the green grass of paradise. Three of God's creation who's bond with one another allowed poachers to butcher them one after the other. Three magnificent rhino with three very different stories. Who among us, will give up just a fraction of our day to expose their story to the world. Even one more minute to post/forward/share or comment in honour of what they have gone through.
These three victims have given us new ammunition to use in fighting this war. Ammunition which we choose to use passively, but which will change minds effectively. Our hearts and minds have been impacted by the reality of
their suffering. In a war fought on many fronts, YOU have the ability to make an impact in the battle to win over the hearts and minds of inconsiderate man.
As you read this remember you have the same tools in your hands as I have tonight. You may not be making the bullets but you certainly have the ability to fire the guns. Will fowlds
Kariega Rhino update Monday 26 March
Kariega update Monday 26 March 11am
Themba's passing has been desperately tragic and I know that everyone at Kariega is hurting badly having been so intimately involved in his personal struggle to survive. Having deliberated so much about putting him to sleep the day before, his inability to get himself out of the waterhole was a clear indication that he had grown too weak to manage even the simple things he was used to doing.
As I said on day 23 the benefit of hindsight would be the judge of my decisions and now that all information has been revealed, I have to concede that I made the wrong call two days ago. This is my burden, and mine alone.
From the start of this campaign to save these animals we have been determined to ensure that whatever the outcome, I would consult with as many people as possible, give whatever treatment we thought was necessary and ensure that whatever we learned from Themba and Thandi would be used to improve the chances of future survivors. To be true to this promise, under very difficult circumstances, I conducted a post mortem on him with the aid of some of the Kariega team who have been close to him.
What I found hidden under his thick protective skin, has extended my admiration for him even further. The evidence of that first night of assault and what his body endured as he lay there, weakened by pain, loss of blood and the poacher's drugs, was astounding. It could never be ascertained how long he has been in that position against his left side with his back leg under the weight of his body, so we never knew the exact extent of his injuries. Our normal options to x-ray or scan his body, as we would a smaller animal or pet, simply were not available to us given the size of him. We did our best to use conventional tests on bloods cells and serum to try and get an indication of the extent and progress of conditions not visible from the outside. But the harsh truth of it all, is that Themba's injuries we far more extensive and far more severe than any of these indicators were able to tell us.
Not only was his bad leg severely damaged by the absence of life giving blood on that first night, he also had extensive damage to the muscles down the left side of his rib cage (intercostals) as well as muscle damage into his left front leg (pectoral muscle groups). The fact that he was able to move as well as he did in the front part of his body is a testimony to the resilience of this rhino. What the post mortem has revealed is that he would never have regained adequate use of his leg and in my mind, with this information now at hand, I now know that his passing was a blessing.
We buried him where he lay and as the ground proudly accepted him back, he took with him the tension that had become a part of that beautiful valley for the past 24 days.
This ordeal he has endured, set in motion by the senseless greed of men who know nothing of their suffering and probably don't care, this fight which has revealed to us a will to survive beyond our previous comprehension, this tragedy which has captured the hearts of so many; what will his story teach us? What will Themba's legacy be?
Does that will to survive not tell us the story of his ancestors, who survived when hundreds of thousands of others didn't? Does his ability to hide such extensive injuries not tell us of a species who have been through the worst of what man and nature could throw at them and made it? Is his story not entwined with other stories that tell of the good side of man, which show that when we do care enough, we do have the ability to bring species like this back from the brink? Themba fought with such bravery to overcome that which the poachers stole from him. Kariega stood with him and gave him the best chance that they could offer him. Many others poured their time and assistance in helping us be the best we could be for him, and still we failed. Still I failed.
The past day's events have taken me to the lowest point of my battle to help save a species. I know many others feel the same. What we do now is the true test of our resolve to overcome the evil that threatens to overwhelm the worlds remaining rhino. Our ability to act, to actually do something to make a difference, will be the measure of who we are.
On Day 14 I wrote, "Themba and Thandi, surrounded by all we value in nature, live on as icons of animal suffering and the determination to survive. They stand guard at the gate, one strong and one weak, that will lead to the demise of thousands more species because of our apathy. They are adopted, as champions of a cause which goes far beyond "Saving the Rhino" because if we don't save the Rhino, who move us to this extent, what hope do we have of saving the rest."
Even though Themba's life is ended, he has moved us and his legacy lives on.
From now on we focus all our treatment efforts on Thandi, even more determined to keep searching for ways to do better for rhino than what we currently can. The legacy of Themba, and all he has taught us, remains at the gate, with Thandi, reminding us of our shortcomings, motivating us to do more, so much more. My promise to him was that I will do everything that I possibly can to make every single day that he suffered count.
I gave two talks to schools today one at Kingwood College and one at St Andrews Prep. Over 600 school children who face the very real possibility of their adult lives devoid of rhino. These young lives are hungry to help save this species and what a powerful force they could be. After the second talk the boys of St Andrews Prep placed out almost 900 crosses along the side of the busy road which passes the school. Each cross representing a rhino killed by poachers since the beginning of 2010. Themba who has carried the heaviest of crosses, is represented there with so many others in the killing fields, a symbol of our shame, an icon of their struggle, an ambassador who now has the freedom to take their story around the world...with your help.
will fowlds
Themba's passing has been desperately tragic and I know that everyone at Kariega is hurting badly having been so intimately involved in his personal struggle to survive. Having deliberated so much about putting him to sleep the day before, his inability to get himself out of the waterhole was a clear indication that he had grown too weak to manage even the simple things he was used to doing.
As I said on day 23 the benefit of hindsight would be the judge of my decisions and now that all information has been revealed, I have to concede that I made the wrong call two days ago. This is my burden, and mine alone.
From the start of this campaign to save these animals we have been determined to ensure that whatever the outcome, I would consult with as many people as possible, give whatever treatment we thought was necessary and ensure that whatever we learned from Themba and Thandi would be used to improve the chances of future survivors. To be true to this promise, under very difficult circumstances, I conducted a post mortem on him with the aid of some of the Kariega team who have been close to him.
What I found hidden under his thick protective skin, has extended my admiration for him even further. The evidence of that first night of assault and what his body endured as he lay there, weakened by pain, loss of blood and the poacher's drugs, was astounding. It could never be ascertained how long he has been in that position against his left side with his back leg under the weight of his body, so we never knew the exact extent of his injuries. Our normal options to x-ray or scan his body, as we would a smaller animal or pet, simply were not available to us given the size of him. We did our best to use conventional tests on bloods cells and serum to try and get an indication of the extent and progress of conditions not visible from the outside. But the harsh truth of it all, is that Themba's injuries we far more extensive and far more severe than any of these indicators were able to tell us.
Not only was his bad leg severely damaged by the absence of life giving blood on that first night, he also had extensive damage to the muscles down the left side of his rib cage (intercostals) as well as muscle damage into his left front leg (pectoral muscle groups). The fact that he was able to move as well as he did in the front part of his body is a testimony to the resilience of this rhino. What the post mortem has revealed is that he would never have regained adequate use of his leg and in my mind, with this information now at hand, I now know that his passing was a blessing.
We buried him where he lay and as the ground proudly accepted him back, he took with him the tension that had become a part of that beautiful valley for the past 24 days.
This ordeal he has endured, set in motion by the senseless greed of men who know nothing of their suffering and probably don't care, this fight which has revealed to us a will to survive beyond our previous comprehension, this tragedy which has captured the hearts of so many; what will his story teach us? What will Themba's legacy be?
Does that will to survive not tell us the story of his ancestors, who survived when hundreds of thousands of others didn't? Does his ability to hide such extensive injuries not tell us of a species who have been through the worst of what man and nature could throw at them and made it? Is his story not entwined with other stories that tell of the good side of man, which show that when we do care enough, we do have the ability to bring species like this back from the brink? Themba fought with such bravery to overcome that which the poachers stole from him. Kariega stood with him and gave him the best chance that they could offer him. Many others poured their time and assistance in helping us be the best we could be for him, and still we failed. Still I failed.
The past day's events have taken me to the lowest point of my battle to help save a species. I know many others feel the same. What we do now is the true test of our resolve to overcome the evil that threatens to overwhelm the worlds remaining rhino. Our ability to act, to actually do something to make a difference, will be the measure of who we are.
On Day 14 I wrote, "Themba and Thandi, surrounded by all we value in nature, live on as icons of animal suffering and the determination to survive. They stand guard at the gate, one strong and one weak, that will lead to the demise of thousands more species because of our apathy. They are adopted, as champions of a cause which goes far beyond "Saving the Rhino" because if we don't save the Rhino, who move us to this extent, what hope do we have of saving the rest."
Even though Themba's life is ended, he has moved us and his legacy lives on.
From now on we focus all our treatment efforts on Thandi, even more determined to keep searching for ways to do better for rhino than what we currently can. The legacy of Themba, and all he has taught us, remains at the gate, with Thandi, reminding us of our shortcomings, motivating us to do more, so much more. My promise to him was that I will do everything that I possibly can to make every single day that he suffered count.
I gave two talks to schools today one at Kingwood College and one at St Andrews Prep. Over 600 school children who face the very real possibility of their adult lives devoid of rhino. These young lives are hungry to help save this species and what a powerful force they could be. After the second talk the boys of St Andrews Prep placed out almost 900 crosses along the side of the busy road which passes the school. Each cross representing a rhino killed by poachers since the beginning of 2010. Themba who has carried the heaviest of crosses, is represented there with so many others in the killing fields, a symbol of our shame, an icon of their struggle, an ambassador who now has the freedom to take their story around the world...with your help.
will fowlds
Kariega Rhino update Sunday 25 March
Kariega update 25th March 2pm
It is with a huge sense of grief that we regret to inform you of the passing of Themba this Sunday morning. In his compromised state he failed to remove himself from a waterhole he had been drinking at. In spite of efforts to assist him he passed away just after 9am. The whole Kariega team is devastated by this loss after such a dedicated effort to save his life. Our heart felt appreciation to all those that have extended their support over the past 3 weeks. We will miss him dearly and re-commit ourselves to keeping his legacy alive in an effort to spare all rhino from suffering the same fate.
It is with a huge sense of grief that we regret to inform you of the passing of Themba this Sunday morning. In his compromised state he failed to remove himself from a waterhole he had been drinking at. In spite of efforts to assist him he passed away just after 9am. The whole Kariega team is devastated by this loss after such a dedicated effort to save his life. Our heart felt appreciation to all those that have extended their support over the past 3 weeks. We will miss him dearly and re-commit ourselves to keeping his legacy alive in an effort to spare all rhino from suffering the same fate.
Kariega Rhino update Sat 24 March
Kariega update Sat 24th March 5pm
I went to Kariega today convinced that I was going to have to put Themba to sleep. The first report for the day, was not good, as he didn't start today off very alert. Yesterdays situation combined with this news added up to only one thing. So with much trepidation I approached the reserve knowing that unless his circumstances changed my mind, euthanasia was not going to be avoided. By the time I had got there he had perked up and seemed no different to what he had been for the past 4 days. He passed more loose dung overnight which is not good but he did do a bit of grazing during the two hours of deliberation I spent with him.
The lab finally received the blood samples from 4 days back and they ran them onto their analysers immediately and let me know straight away, which was such a help. I consulted with Prof Reyers who has been assisting with the interpretation of the blood tests and of so much benefit when there are
elements of doubt creeping into this case. Clinically he has deteriorated since these samples were taken so any sign of a marked deterioration in the major indicators, compared to the week before that, would have confirmed the worst for me. Surprisingly, although many indicators are still very worrying, there were signs of some improvement in his liver circumstances, his kidneys showed a very mild deterioration but these were only fractionally over normal limits before. His indicators of inflammation do show a shift some up and some down but there was still regeneration of these cells indicating that his bone marrow was still functioning. The most concerning indicators were that his protein levels have been dropping and there are indicators of dehydration although mild. The conclusion was that there are not indicators of major system collapse or organ failure. Four days old, but positive.
I then approached Themba on foot to guage his levels of alertness and went in very close on purpose to force him to use his leg. His temperament is still encouraging in that he is responsive and while I was close to him he took a few mouthfuls of food. The use of his leg remains the same as he can hardly take any weight on it. The discharge from his leg has improved mildly over the past 2 days and is more bloody than before. With this information I decided to immobilised him with a very low dose of anaesthetic. The final barrier for me was to do a quick evaluation of his leg which, to my great relief, hadn't got any worse since I was last in there. The decision to delay his euthanasia was made. We kept him down just long enough to give him a full spectrum of injections before waking him up. He recovered well and has taken a few mouthfuls of food since.
This is such a tough call to make and I am sure that many will question my judgement given 23 days of struggle for him. I am comfortable that full consideration to all circumstances have taken us this far and consultation with other veterinary experts has given some guidance from outside of his case. Should I have to go back on this decision and put him down tomorrow or later, we will all look back and know that I have made the wrong call. For now, without the benefit of that hindsight, he lives to fight another day.
Will fowlds
I went to Kariega today convinced that I was going to have to put Themba to sleep. The first report for the day, was not good, as he didn't start today off very alert. Yesterdays situation combined with this news added up to only one thing. So with much trepidation I approached the reserve knowing that unless his circumstances changed my mind, euthanasia was not going to be avoided. By the time I had got there he had perked up and seemed no different to what he had been for the past 4 days. He passed more loose dung overnight which is not good but he did do a bit of grazing during the two hours of deliberation I spent with him.
The lab finally received the blood samples from 4 days back and they ran them onto their analysers immediately and let me know straight away, which was such a help. I consulted with Prof Reyers who has been assisting with the interpretation of the blood tests and of so much benefit when there are
elements of doubt creeping into this case. Clinically he has deteriorated since these samples were taken so any sign of a marked deterioration in the major indicators, compared to the week before that, would have confirmed the worst for me. Surprisingly, although many indicators are still very worrying, there were signs of some improvement in his liver circumstances, his kidneys showed a very mild deterioration but these were only fractionally over normal limits before. His indicators of inflammation do show a shift some up and some down but there was still regeneration of these cells indicating that his bone marrow was still functioning. The most concerning indicators were that his protein levels have been dropping and there are indicators of dehydration although mild. The conclusion was that there are not indicators of major system collapse or organ failure. Four days old, but positive.
I then approached Themba on foot to guage his levels of alertness and went in very close on purpose to force him to use his leg. His temperament is still encouraging in that he is responsive and while I was close to him he took a few mouthfuls of food. The use of his leg remains the same as he can hardly take any weight on it. The discharge from his leg has improved mildly over the past 2 days and is more bloody than before. With this information I decided to immobilised him with a very low dose of anaesthetic. The final barrier for me was to do a quick evaluation of his leg which, to my great relief, hadn't got any worse since I was last in there. The decision to delay his euthanasia was made. We kept him down just long enough to give him a full spectrum of injections before waking him up. He recovered well and has taken a few mouthfuls of food since.
This is such a tough call to make and I am sure that many will question my judgement given 23 days of struggle for him. I am comfortable that full consideration to all circumstances have taken us this far and consultation with other veterinary experts has given some guidance from outside of his case. Should I have to go back on this decision and put him down tomorrow or later, we will all look back and know that I have made the wrong call. For now, without the benefit of that hindsight, he lives to fight another day.
Will fowlds
Kariega Update Friday 23 March
Kariega update Fri 23rd March 8pm
The weather on the way to Kariega today couldn’t have been more reflective of the atmosphere concerning the rhino in that place. Sharp rays of bright sunshine pushing through the gloomy dark clouds that came rolling in off the sea nearby. News of Thandi is consistently promising as she spends much of her time with the mother and calf she knows well. Photographic evidence of her facial status has been difficult to come by but her behaviour gives no indication of the need for additional concern. There is no doubt that all these animals whether poached or not, have been traumatised by the ordeal as they are not their relaxed selves and keep to the thickets fringes for most of the day.
Jason has been reporting on Themba’s progress over the past 2 days when I was not able to be there in person. There has been a very gradual but noticeable decline in his condition since his last procedure. His levels of alertness are not what they were 4 days ago and he has lost more weight. His leg from the outside appears to be the same but we know that the problems lie within and these are very difficult to gauge. His use of the injured leg remains the same and if his proximity to the water hole is anything to go by, he is more uncomfortable than before as he hasn’t moved more than 100 meters from the water. For the first time his dung was a bit loose today and this is a worrying sign. I was relying on getting blood results today. These were going to be quite crucial in my understanding of his condition leading into the previous procedure, and possibly why he appears to have lost momentum since then. Delays in the courier service have cost us another day and they may well be quite academic by the time we get them. Very frustrating. So my concern for Themba is now definitely high. Jason reports that he has eaten better since I left his side in the early afternoon but I know his body cannot take too many more of these low days. He still gave me a few mock charges when approached but his response distance is now much closer than before and he only takes a few shorts steps. I don’t think it is simply because he is getting used to us being there either.
I have wrestled with decisions about Themba for 22 days and every day, including today, he has been true to his name by giving us enough hope to keep going with the treatment process. He has had his good days and bad days along the way and I know the longer he fights to survive under these conditions the more run down his system becomes. I constantly check my emotional bond with him and need to be sure that my professional mind is not clouded by the emotions that threaten to overwhelm me as I write these reports every evening. One thing I know is that when I am working with him, my actions are brutally cold and clinical and it is only when I am driving away from that beautiful, tortured place that I am overcome with such respect, admiration and compassion for these shamed and helpless creatures. Every day I hear of the compassion of so many people for their struggle to survive and it makes no logical sense to me that this tragedy continues to slam down on our rhino when so many people care. Today I gave a talk at a junior school and used the scene from Jurassic Park 1, that first game drive, to illustrate what young children could be missing out on one day. The look on children’s faces in awe of what once was, confirms that what we have left is priceless. There can be no value placed on these and so many other species. As much as we value our lives, we will be poor without them.
Today has been a tough day for Themba and unless the sun shines on his circumstances tomorrow, I may be faced with the toughest decisions yet.. We still have some high risk options we can use on him, but Themba’s life, like the lives of all rhino hangs in the balance of man’s will. Will fowld
The weather on the way to Kariega today couldn’t have been more reflective of the atmosphere concerning the rhino in that place. Sharp rays of bright sunshine pushing through the gloomy dark clouds that came rolling in off the sea nearby. News of Thandi is consistently promising as she spends much of her time with the mother and calf she knows well. Photographic evidence of her facial status has been difficult to come by but her behaviour gives no indication of the need for additional concern. There is no doubt that all these animals whether poached or not, have been traumatised by the ordeal as they are not their relaxed selves and keep to the thickets fringes for most of the day.
Jason has been reporting on Themba’s progress over the past 2 days when I was not able to be there in person. There has been a very gradual but noticeable decline in his condition since his last procedure. His levels of alertness are not what they were 4 days ago and he has lost more weight. His leg from the outside appears to be the same but we know that the problems lie within and these are very difficult to gauge. His use of the injured leg remains the same and if his proximity to the water hole is anything to go by, he is more uncomfortable than before as he hasn’t moved more than 100 meters from the water. For the first time his dung was a bit loose today and this is a worrying sign. I was relying on getting blood results today. These were going to be quite crucial in my understanding of his condition leading into the previous procedure, and possibly why he appears to have lost momentum since then. Delays in the courier service have cost us another day and they may well be quite academic by the time we get them. Very frustrating. So my concern for Themba is now definitely high. Jason reports that he has eaten better since I left his side in the early afternoon but I know his body cannot take too many more of these low days. He still gave me a few mock charges when approached but his response distance is now much closer than before and he only takes a few shorts steps. I don’t think it is simply because he is getting used to us being there either.
I have wrestled with decisions about Themba for 22 days and every day, including today, he has been true to his name by giving us enough hope to keep going with the treatment process. He has had his good days and bad days along the way and I know the longer he fights to survive under these conditions the more run down his system becomes. I constantly check my emotional bond with him and need to be sure that my professional mind is not clouded by the emotions that threaten to overwhelm me as I write these reports every evening. One thing I know is that when I am working with him, my actions are brutally cold and clinical and it is only when I am driving away from that beautiful, tortured place that I am overcome with such respect, admiration and compassion for these shamed and helpless creatures. Every day I hear of the compassion of so many people for their struggle to survive and it makes no logical sense to me that this tragedy continues to slam down on our rhino when so many people care. Today I gave a talk at a junior school and used the scene from Jurassic Park 1, that first game drive, to illustrate what young children could be missing out on one day. The look on children’s faces in awe of what once was, confirms that what we have left is priceless. There can be no value placed on these and so many other species. As much as we value our lives, we will be poor without them.
Today has been a tough day for Themba and unless the sun shines on his circumstances tomorrow, I may be faced with the toughest decisions yet.. We still have some high risk options we can use on him, but Themba’s life, like the lives of all rhino hangs in the balance of man’s will. Will fowld
Friday, March 23, 2012
Kariega Rhino update - Thursday 22 March 21h00
Visual sightings of Thandi confirm that she is eating and
moving around normally. We still do not have good images of her face so
difficult to be sure of her condition but I am comfortable that we can
maintain low levels of concern for her.
Themba on the other hand has not been moving around very much. He remains close to a large water hole and has
been eating although not as much as he was 3 days ago. He has spent some time with his leg in the muddy water and knowing how many open spaces
there are in his bad
leg, I shudder to think
what has gone into that leg. In my experience ofother wild animals it is quite common for them to bathe
in muddy water without any apparent concern for wound contamination.
From a medical
perspective this makes me cringe but I have witnessed
some surprising recoveries so it may not be as bad as what we
perceive. After being very proud of a surgical procedure I did once on an elephants
eye and the degree of care we had taken to work under sterile conditions, I
had a report the next day to say that he was standing in the water hole
scooping up mud with his trunk and rubbing it into his bad eye! That elephant
whose eye I considered removing, recovered so well that a year later
I couldn't tell which eye I had operated on.
My levels of concern for Themba today are high. The
results of his blood tests will only be available in another day or two for
comparison with previous tests. These will be very important is assessing
his chances
especially if his levels of activity, eating and drinking
behaviour have not improved by the end of tomorrow. As always, we have been
overwhelmed by your messages of encouragement which mean to much to me and I
know the whole team at Kariega are sustained by your words and your efforts
to help Themba and
Thandi . I wish I could show these rhino how many people
right across the world are willing them to get well, it would take a
stadium to fit us all in. Your actions
in spreading the word of their plight it starting to
ripple across the planet. I know that there are already
students in China who have been exposed to the video footage and are as
appalled as we are. This is such encouraging news as the one aspect of the
rhino fight we have been bad at has been reaching into the user
countries. Please don't underestimate the power of these images in your hands and what they can achieve in our quest to protect all rhino.
As the decision makers in global conservation plan to
meet again to discuss what can be done to reduce the killing, we need to keep
driving hard at the most fundamental layers of this war namely welfare,
awareness and education. The owners of Kariega gave me two directives at the start
of this process, firstly to do whatever I thought best for Themba and
Thandi and secondly, regardless of the outcome of either of them, to ensure
that this process would be to the benefit of all remaining rhino. Kariega have been amazing
in making all treatment and images freely available for
use across the world. Themba and
Thandi have been even more amazing in showing us their determination to live. What we learn about these horrific
wounds will
certainly change the way we approach future cases such as
this and with your help improve the chances of many other rhino in the
future. Often it takes a crisis in life before we appreciate the things that are
important to us.
Will this rhino crisis teach us what's of value in the
world? Will we show ourselves that even though we face great odds, we will
fight our way through this crisis, and be stronger when we face the next one.
Your response shows me that there are enough of us to beat the
criminals. Let's show them that enough IS enough. Will fowlds
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Kariega Rhino update, 21 March, 19h00
News from the Kariega team today is that Themba has moved over four hundred
meters he has drunk well but is not eating as well as we had hoped. Levels of concern fluctuate between medium to high . This morning he hadn't moved much and seemed to have taken his session yesterday quite badly but this afternoon he seems a little improved. Some fluid has come from the drainage holes in his leg overnight. Comments from Prof Reyers warn of the possibility of liver infection. We are not in a position to be able to do a liver scan or other diagnostic tests to comfirm what could be happening in his liver but we do know that his injuries are placing this organ under a lot of strain. Intensifying his anti-bioitc treatment would require even more regular immobilisations than we are currently risking as we don't have other long acting treatment options to move onto.
Thandi is moving around well but is hiding up in the thickets and we have not been able to get images of her face for several days. The tracking teams are reporting a slight smell which may also indicate that infection is building up in her facial wounds. Its been 6 days since her last treatment and I was hoping to be able to extend her treatment intervals after the previous assessment. Once we can get more visual information regarding her face, we will make a decision re her.
Today Paul Mills, who has given an enormous amount of his time and expertise to this process, has posted the video footage of Thandi's treatment session on day 4. Reviewing these images and reliving some of those emotions is heart wrenching all over again. My mind seems to have chosen to forget how many loose pieces of skin and hanging bone we had to remove from her face and how deep and random the gashes were. All that precious tissue that now needs rebuilding is absolutely useless to poachers anyway. In fact it is probably a risk for them as it needs to be
disposed of somewhere before the horn gets passed onto the next criminal in the greed chain. Such is the degree of lust for this horn that they will not risk leaving the smallest fragment of it behind and so they butcher extra inches of living, feeling flesh away in carrying out their monstrous deeds. What will you and I do today to help stop this cruel onslaught. What weapons do we have to fight this war. Today, the whole team of dedicated, caring, rhino passionate people give you the undeniable truth of visual images that transend language and culture. How effective this weapon is depends on how far and wide you are prepared to spread it. While we struggle to bring an end to their suffering, we ask that you keep these images alive in the eyes of the world because today at least one other rhino went through this hell and tomorrow there will probably be more. William Fowlds.
meters he has drunk well but is not eating as well as we had hoped. Levels of concern fluctuate between medium to high . This morning he hadn't moved much and seemed to have taken his session yesterday quite badly but this afternoon he seems a little improved. Some fluid has come from the drainage holes in his leg overnight. Comments from Prof Reyers warn of the possibility of liver infection. We are not in a position to be able to do a liver scan or other diagnostic tests to comfirm what could be happening in his liver but we do know that his injuries are placing this organ under a lot of strain. Intensifying his anti-bioitc treatment would require even more regular immobilisations than we are currently risking as we don't have other long acting treatment options to move onto.
Thandi is moving around well but is hiding up in the thickets and we have not been able to get images of her face for several days. The tracking teams are reporting a slight smell which may also indicate that infection is building up in her facial wounds. Its been 6 days since her last treatment and I was hoping to be able to extend her treatment intervals after the previous assessment. Once we can get more visual information regarding her face, we will make a decision re her.
Today Paul Mills, who has given an enormous amount of his time and expertise to this process, has posted the video footage of Thandi's treatment session on day 4. Reviewing these images and reliving some of those emotions is heart wrenching all over again. My mind seems to have chosen to forget how many loose pieces of skin and hanging bone we had to remove from her face and how deep and random the gashes were. All that precious tissue that now needs rebuilding is absolutely useless to poachers anyway. In fact it is probably a risk for them as it needs to be
disposed of somewhere before the horn gets passed onto the next criminal in the greed chain. Such is the degree of lust for this horn that they will not risk leaving the smallest fragment of it behind and so they butcher extra inches of living, feeling flesh away in carrying out their monstrous deeds. What will you and I do today to help stop this cruel onslaught. What weapons do we have to fight this war. Today, the whole team of dedicated, caring, rhino passionate people give you the undeniable truth of visual images that transend language and culture. How effective this weapon is depends on how far and wide you are prepared to spread it. While we struggle to bring an end to their suffering, we ask that you keep these images alive in the eyes of the world because today at least one other rhino went through this hell and tomorrow there will probably be more. William Fowlds.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Kariega Rhino update, Tuesday 20 March, 17h00
Day 19 and today we worked with Themba without catching sight of Thandi. We spent a long time with him assessing if there was any way we could avoid another anaesthetic. He appeared a little more lethargic to me and his leg is still giving him a lot of discomfort. Jason reported some lumps of pussy fluid every time he lay down and I wasn't sure which hole it was coming from. On the strength of his previous blood results which showed that his kidneys were in better shape than I had thought, I made the decision to go ahead with another procedure. We were joined by Dr Lamont today which was an honour for me as he has had more experience in the reconstruction of traumatised tissues than ten of me would ever get to see in a lifetime. As before the Kariega team of staff and volunteers swung into action and provided amazing, focused and dedicated work on a rhino which I know they would go to the ends of the earth for. The two worrying aspects from his blood results are the escalation of chemicals released by damaged liver and muscle cells. This was expected and we will only know the real significance of these values if today's blood results show an improvement or not. To assist
with this aspect of his care I have asked for the advice of Prof Reyers an expert veterinary clinical haematologist who has also offered to lend his expertise to this process.
Themba coped better with his anaesthetic today than the previous time. His face is visibly improved and for the first time there were no maggots to be seen and there was very little necrotic tissue build up in his exposed nasal sinuses. The worrying news is that we are now seeing the full extent of his lack of blood on the night of the poaching and large areas of tissue have broken down and become infected. He has a hole on the inside of his shin that I can get my hand into and the middle third of his tibia can be felt
through this hole. This cavity extends down to just short of his hock joint.
The only way this infected tissue is able to escape is when he lies on his right side, so most of the time it has been sitting inside this cavity when we need it to leave the body. I was forced to make a drainage hole on the inside of his hock joint at the lowest point of the cavity through skin an inch thick and in the process I have disrupted some arterial supply which I will need to watched carefully. The process which is taking place now inside his leg we sometime refer to as absessation. In this case we are talking about multiple cavities some of which interlead. The most important thing we can do for him now is to ensure that all dead tissues inside his leg have a chance to drain out and we need to ensure that the infection in the dead tissue does not get into the living tissues and cause more damage. We have sent a sample away for culture and to test is if the anti-biotics we are using will be able to kill these bacteria. He woke up fine from the drugs and managed to take a small amount of weight on this leg in his sedated state before we left him. It is always such a relief to see him stand up and I know that for the next few days he will feel more comfortable. In spite of the awful amount of damage to this leg, his body is visibly trying to make things right. My thanks to Dr Lamont who is now comprehensively on board and will begin his own process of research and forward planning in the hope that we can restore their facial injuries to some level of dignity. The support for these two rhino is growing even more daily and we are so humbled by the efforts and contributions of so many people. It is difficult to predict what tomorrow will bring. For today, Themba is not another statistic and for this we are so so grateful! William Fowlds
with this aspect of his care I have asked for the advice of Prof Reyers an expert veterinary clinical haematologist who has also offered to lend his expertise to this process.
Themba coped better with his anaesthetic today than the previous time. His face is visibly improved and for the first time there were no maggots to be seen and there was very little necrotic tissue build up in his exposed nasal sinuses. The worrying news is that we are now seeing the full extent of his lack of blood on the night of the poaching and large areas of tissue have broken down and become infected. He has a hole on the inside of his shin that I can get my hand into and the middle third of his tibia can be felt
through this hole. This cavity extends down to just short of his hock joint.
The only way this infected tissue is able to escape is when he lies on his right side, so most of the time it has been sitting inside this cavity when we need it to leave the body. I was forced to make a drainage hole on the inside of his hock joint at the lowest point of the cavity through skin an inch thick and in the process I have disrupted some arterial supply which I will need to watched carefully. The process which is taking place now inside his leg we sometime refer to as absessation. In this case we are talking about multiple cavities some of which interlead. The most important thing we can do for him now is to ensure that all dead tissues inside his leg have a chance to drain out and we need to ensure that the infection in the dead tissue does not get into the living tissues and cause more damage. We have sent a sample away for culture and to test is if the anti-biotics we are using will be able to kill these bacteria. He woke up fine from the drugs and managed to take a small amount of weight on this leg in his sedated state before we left him. It is always such a relief to see him stand up and I know that for the next few days he will feel more comfortable. In spite of the awful amount of damage to this leg, his body is visibly trying to make things right. My thanks to Dr Lamont who is now comprehensively on board and will begin his own process of research and forward planning in the hope that we can restore their facial injuries to some level of dignity. The support for these two rhino is growing even more daily and we are so humbled by the efforts and contributions of so many people. It is difficult to predict what tomorrow will bring. For today, Themba is not another statistic and for this we are so so grateful! William Fowlds
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Kariega Rhino update, Monday 19 March, 21h00
Themba is moving less and less every day, he is still eating and drinking well but our levels of concern are creeping up again and the fear of infection running out of control in that leg, worries us continuously. We will resist another anaesthetic at all costs but tomorrow, once again, we prepare for this very real possibility. How much more of these can he take? Will this be the one that makes his body say enough is enough? Given all that he has gone through, the level of pressure on the team increases every time. Tomorrow morning we will re-asses his situation and once again weigh up risk vs benefit and pray we are doing the best thing for him. Thandi continues to move around all over the park and shows nothing to concern us. With official figures on poached rhino during 2012 (up to 16th March) now listed as 135 animals I find it soul destroying to think that since the night of poaching of the Kariega three, we have lost 45 more rhino. This is now an average of three per day. In other words, the horrors of what we found on that morning of hell on the 2nd of March, has happened every day since then to rhino across our country. In spite of more cries of disgust,more arrests, more anti-poaching training and deployment we are currently loosing this battle. We need to do more. Within this vortex of crime, greed, cruelty and human scum we can't help but admire Themba and Thandi desperately trying to struggle their way out. Thandi still making slow progress away from the gravity that tried to suck her in, Themba, the boy with the courage of a warrior scarcely managing to resist the current. The irony of their story is that should they live, should they free themselves of this life threatening situation, they become immune from the curse that the orchestrators of poaching have placed on all rhino. Because they will never grow horns again, the very symbol of their grand stature in natures order, they become worthless to poachers, no longer a target, free from mans greed, free from the threat that stalks every single rhino left on the planet. What a different life they will have if they make it through. Yes, survivors are important. They are important for the species and they are important for the fight. They motivate us in a war that for now we are losing. But we look at them and we learn from their fight, that every single one is important. Survivors of this level of brutality, win immunity. Please continue to support the Kariega team in fighting not just for their lives, but fighting for their immunity...for LIFE. Will fowlds
Kariega Rhino update - Sunday 18 March, 17h00
Jason and the rest of the Kariega monitoring effort report that Themba has moved about 750 meters over the past 24 hours, has drunk well and is passing large amounts of dung which confirms the amount of intake the tracking team have observed. His leg status is unchanged and there is possibly more opaque discharge today than what we have seen before which could be an ominous indicator of our struggle against infection. So he appears to be holding his own for now but we will have to watch his leg wounds carefully over the next 48 hours for signs of deterioration, indicating the state of tissues under the skin. Rangers have reported that Thandi has been seen grazing and behaving "normally" yesterday evening and she has moved about five km's since then so her situation remains positive. Today, I will not be of any direct assistance to Themba or Thandi as the Kariega team will do all that is required. But today is another day we will lose more rhino and so I choose to do something else. The awareness campaign occupies most of my time when I am not directly involved with rhino and I ask myself the question every single day, "what is it that I can do to make a positive difference today". Every one of us has a network of people and a set of skills we can consider involving in this struggle. I have had the honour of working intermittently with Braam Malherbe on the ground from day 3 of this ordeal. Braam symbolises the concept of DOT "do one thing" which he encourages at every opportunity and it is a powerful way of getting things done. We cannot be intimidated by the Goliath's that threaten us or our fears will be paralysing. Braam, more than anyone I have met has undertaken huge physical and mental challenges for conservation causes and by example he demonstrates what man is capable when we get out of our comfort zones and decide we can. He has run the Great wall of China and recently returned from a successful expedition to the South Pole representing our magnificent country. The lesson for me is that everything he achieves can only be done through one step followed by another. Meter by meter, there is no other way so today I chose to take another step for the Rhino. Today, I do something simple, I sort out my photos. Not earth shattering but it is one step closer to the presentation I might deliver in a week or months time. As I do so, they scream out a message of blood, pain,horror and brutality which brings the tears flooding back. They won't save one life today, but if I listen to what this experience is telling me, and I manage the simple things that I have at my disposal, they may end up being the most powerful tools I will ever have in MY fight to save the rhino. Will fowlds
Kariega Rhino update - Saturday 17 March, 17h00
Themba has been moving on the edge of the thicket line where the grass is knee high and lush. He has been eating well and because of his location Jason has been able to observe him for some time in the open. This information as well as images from camera traps he has put out indicate a very slight improvement in his circumstances. On assessing his leg this morning there are still superfiscial signs of skin deterioration so his struggle continues and we still do not have enough evidence yet that he will make it. For today, I am happy that his body is not deteriorating and that he appears to be managing without the need for more pain killers. Thandi continues to do well and covers a lot of ground. She has moved through the same area that Themba is in and one wonders what sort of communication they have shared. Yesterday I spoke of the choices we have to make regarding this crisis. Today is the day we need to choose to do something about it. Considering the choices that Dr Ian Player and many others chose to make over 50 years ago now, when Operation Rhino was put into action, we learn that the actions of a few produced amazing results; one of the best success stories in conservation history. It is such a sadness that the same man now has to endure the same war twice. But the rules of engagement are very different this time around. This war needs to be fought on many fronts and this war will not be won through the actions of a few. This war requires the participation of millions with a diversity of skills doing something every single day until the slaughter stops. If you are not already active in the fight to save the Rhino, you can start today by telling someone the story of Themba and Thandi. Tell them of the horror of poaching and what you can't put into words, show them with the images. Support Kariega in their efforts to keep these icons of the rhino struggle alive and we will play our part on the ground. In 2 days time the Associated Press will distribute these shameful images to their network of 300 channels worldwide. One of the executive directors has described their footage as "the most graphic she has ever seen on this subject" so it will shock the world. But action is what we need more than sympathy and a story of survival is the hope that might just motivate the rest of the world to action. A few days after the 85th birthday of Dr Player, we honour the efforts of his inspiring life by doing something, today and every single day until the poaching stops. Will fowlds
Kariega Rhino Update - Friday 16 March, 17h00
Thandi had joined up with the other rhino again by late yesterday so doesn't appear to have been outwardly affected by her procedure. The monitoring team report that Themba has moved away from his hollow and has been grazing well on the edge of the thicket line. He passed dung and has had water during the past 24 hours. These parameters were what we were worried about in the two days leading up to yesterdays procedures so are positive signs. The pain killers we gave him yesterday will be wearing off now and we don't want to give him more unless we absolutely have to. All the indications based on his condition under anaesthetic were that his system is very run down, his blood pressure was low and I am very worried about the capacity of his vital organs to handle the battering they are taking. The next 24 hours should give us an indication if he is able to sustain himself without anti-inflammatory/pain killers. If his eating and activity reduce we will have to go back onto them at the risk of damage, especially his kidneys. We continue to source as much input from other vets regarding the best way forward for them. I have have consulted daily with different vets who have had experience of rhino wounds which is highly valued from a professional point of view. The other noticeable aspect of the process so far is how much it is affecting people from all over the world with skills and experience not usually utilised by vets in the field. This has been a very humbling experience as it brings home the importance of these beautiful animals and the way they have crept into peoples hearts. As Thandi appears to have turned the corner, we are starting to build on a treatment plan to try and re-construct her face as much as possible. At this stage it seems impossible to establish a full skin cover over her facial wounds but I can promise we will do everything we can to give her the best possible chance of doing so. As mentioned before much of this is new territory in the treatment of rhino and we will consider every avenue we can think of. We have already had Dr Glynn Catton arrange for an artificial skin product to be sent down to us in the hope that it can make a difference during the healing process. This coming week a human re-constructive surgeon, Dr Alistair Lamont has offered to fly up from Cape Town to consider their condition and start applying his mind to what could possibly be done during the months ahead. Given the extensive experience that surgeons have in re-habilitating human injuries, I expect to be able to learn much from shared knowledge for Themba and Thandi and for the benefit of future victims of these poaching atrocities. The contrast between what man is capable of in terms of both pain and wellfare is staggering. It is a sobering reminder of the power we possess in the choices we make. We have been given custodianship over all species on this planet. Our legacy lies entrenched in whether we choose to turn a blind eye to this level of suffering or whether we choose to do something about it. You, like me, have a choices to make. Will fowlds
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Kariega Rhino update - Thursday 15 March, 14h00
They’re alive! Both Themba and Thandi continue to fight for their lives at Kariega. Thandi is simply inspirational ! The way she is moving around the reserve indicates her position in the recovery process is improving every day. We found her running with a female and calf which we dehorned the other day so she is socially intergrating again which is a very positive sign. Her face is also showing some good signs of progress. The maggot infestation is much improved and the level of infection has reduced around her facial injuries. Under anaesthetic she was stable and we were able to do some aggressive cleaning down to the exposed bone.
Themba is such a brave fighter. We tend to forget that in our terms he is only a boy, not even a teenager at four rhino years old. His courage against enormous odds continues to amaze us. We found him in the little hollow next to the beautiful water hole that he has been at for the past 3 days now. A more tranquil and beautiful place you could never wish to find. He had grass hanging from his mouth and a fair amount of fighting spirit in him when we approached. I took this as a sign that his anaesthetic chances of survival were worth the risk and so we darted him and treated him with a barrage of medication as well as doing a hurried clean out of his wounds. His face is not getting any worse but where he had pushed mud into the nasal sinuses a large amount of decaying matter had become trapped in the cavities behind there. On the good side, his maggot infestation is much better around the face but the signs of an obvious healing response are not the same as with Thandi. Yet again we sit with, quite literally, a life and death struggle based on his bad leg. His leg is looking a lot worse from the outside in that more areas of skin are revealing their necrotic state and there are two more drainage holes on the outside of his foot indicating a deterioration in the skin. It is still impossible to know the full extend of the internal leg injuries and the state of progress within.
There is still hope for this brave boy but he has not turned the corner and is still deteriorating where it matters most. On his recovery from this morning’s procedures he did give us a ten meter charge which was energising. We left him, surrounded by lush green grass, plenty of shade, clean water and a host of familiar birds and their peaceful calls to keep him company. The plumbago bushes stand over a meter tall framing his surroundings with the softest blue colours. How have we allowed the lusts of men, on the other side of the planet, to invade the tranquillity of this heavenly place.
Themba and Thandi, surrounded by all we value in nature, live on as icons of animal suffering and the determination to survive. They stand guard at the door, one strong and one weak, that will lead to the demise of thousands more species because of our apathy. They are adopted, as champions of a cause which goes far beyond “Saving the Rhino” because if we don’t save the Rhino, who move us to this extent, what hope do we have of saving the rest. Will fowlds
Themba is such a brave fighter. We tend to forget that in our terms he is only a boy, not even a teenager at four rhino years old. His courage against enormous odds continues to amaze us. We found him in the little hollow next to the beautiful water hole that he has been at for the past 3 days now. A more tranquil and beautiful place you could never wish to find. He had grass hanging from his mouth and a fair amount of fighting spirit in him when we approached. I took this as a sign that his anaesthetic chances of survival were worth the risk and so we darted him and treated him with a barrage of medication as well as doing a hurried clean out of his wounds. His face is not getting any worse but where he had pushed mud into the nasal sinuses a large amount of decaying matter had become trapped in the cavities behind there. On the good side, his maggot infestation is much better around the face but the signs of an obvious healing response are not the same as with Thandi. Yet again we sit with, quite literally, a life and death struggle based on his bad leg. His leg is looking a lot worse from the outside in that more areas of skin are revealing their necrotic state and there are two more drainage holes on the outside of his foot indicating a deterioration in the skin. It is still impossible to know the full extend of the internal leg injuries and the state of progress within.
There is still hope for this brave boy but he has not turned the corner and is still deteriorating where it matters most. On his recovery from this morning’s procedures he did give us a ten meter charge which was energising. We left him, surrounded by lush green grass, plenty of shade, clean water and a host of familiar birds and their peaceful calls to keep him company. The plumbago bushes stand over a meter tall framing his surroundings with the softest blue colours. How have we allowed the lusts of men, on the other side of the planet, to invade the tranquillity of this heavenly place.
Themba and Thandi, surrounded by all we value in nature, live on as icons of animal suffering and the determination to survive. They stand guard at the door, one strong and one weak, that will lead to the demise of thousands more species because of our apathy. They are adopted, as champions of a cause which goes far beyond “Saving the Rhino” because if we don’t save the Rhino, who move us to this extent, what hope do we have of saving the rest. Will fowlds
Kariega Rhino update - Wednesday 14 March, 20h00
Once again we find ourselves on the eve of planned vet
procedures on our two rhino. The build up to these operations is very
stressful. Most wildlife procedures require much more planning and thought than
actual time we spend carrying them out,
but in this case the effort and logistics are double so I have spent
most of the afternoon in planning for another big day. Apart from the practicalities
of a helicopter, work teams, drugs, vehicles, ropes, water, press,
video and weather implications the most important thing is patient
preparation. In this case we can't do
pre-anaesthetic checks and blood tests to see if their kidneys, liver, blood
cells, proteins and mineral levels are indicating that they will survive
another anaesthetic. All we really have to go on are the observations of the
monitoring team on the ground. In this department Jason has been giving me
feedback today but Themba has been lying up for most of the day in a plumbago
patch in the same hollow he was in yesterday. Because of his bullish behaviour
yesterday I have advised caution and we
haven't been able to assess him at close range as well as I would have liked.
Jason reports that he has spent part of the past 24 hours
in the mud wallow and he has been drinking but signs of him eating are not
convincing and this combined with his lack of mobility today, is of great
concern to us. We will do a final
assessment tomorrow morning weighing up the risks vs benefits of a procedure.
Thandi has been seen and is mobile as usual so she appears to be stable.
Not a day goes by without the thought of losing one of
them crossing my mind. The emotions of the past 13 days lie very close to the
surface so even the thought of this happening brings tears to my eyes. We would
be absolutely devastated if we lost either one of them at this stage. Your
prayers give us strength of this I am certain because we feel driven beyond
what I know we are capable of. I have to
trust that those same prayers and positive thoughts apply even more so to them.
Will fowlds
Kariega Rhino update - Tuesday 13 March, 18h00
For the first time since this horrendous ordeal began,
Themba showed us some real signs of progress this afternoon. He is much more
alert than he has been and although he is still not taking weight on his leg,
he gave us a good rev when we tried to assess his condition at close range. It
was wonderful! We had planned to treat him today so he would have a 2 day break
before his next surgery session. However,
after finding him in a well grassed hollow next to a water hole that he
has been drinking from we decided to let him be just as he is. He passed a good amount of dung which
confirms he is eating something but I am still not convinced its enough. He has
plastered his face full of mud so that the holes into his head are completely
blocked by mud today.
In an effort to try show you the extent of the damage to
his skull Larry Witmer from WitmerLab at Ohio University has produced an
amazing graphic for us with the help of his assistant Ryan Ridgely. I had seen
some of Larry's work in a rhino paper before and when I approached him he
responded instantly to my request for help. His whole lab have got behind this
story which we are very grateful for. I will be posting more of his images in
subsequent reports as they highlight the extent of the complications that these
animals are facing. You will see from the diagram that the poachers have hacked
through his skull and into the cavity below which is in turn connected to a
labyrinth of passages and air spaces inside his skull. Let's pray that Thembas
noticeable improvement today keeps on moving in the right direction.
Thandi continues to be very mobile and isn't showing
herself much but all indications remain positive for her apart from her face
which we know will be a long, drawn out recovery.
We will
do all we can to try and prevent complications for them and we so appreciate
the growing army of caring rhino campaigners out there who have shown support
for these two magnificent ambassadors of the living dinosaurs. We cannot be the
generation that is responsible for their extinction. It is simply NOT and
option. Will fowlds
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