Very warm salutations to our sponsors,
partners, friends, and loyal supporters...
A remarkable year 2009 has been!
So many high moments : meeting new friends, interacting with old friends and of course, the care and rehabilitation of the many animals who now call the HESC home....
One very low moment with the passing of a dear friend....
And the ongoing generosity of so many people from around the world who all recognize the importance of preserving our natural heritage. There is still so much goodness in this world - it is truly heartening.
We would like to wish each and every one of you a miraculous Festive Season. We hope that you will be spending it in the company of your nearest and dearest. And may 2010 be a year filled with much more of that special element of the human spirit that we are privileged enough to experience every day!
We hope you will enjoy this final edition of Cheetah Chat for 2009.
Conserving, Cherishing and Protecting ….
The H.E.S.C. Family
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 Lente Roode and her beloved cheetah: image captured by Johnny Jet at the HESC |
A Devastating Loss.
It was with deep regret that we announced the passing of Professor David Meltzer on the 5th October 2009. This was truly a devastating loss to us at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, and to the animal conservation community at large.
David Meltzer was a recognized world authority on the cheetah. He was instrumental in setting up the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre with its owner and founder, Lente Roode, in 1989. Although he continued to consult to the Centre for 17 years, he joined the team on a more permanent basis at the beginning of 2005. Significantly, the Centre was awarded a coveted CITES Accreditation (see more below) in October 2006.
Professor Meltzer (or "Prof" as he was fondly known) will be remembered for his dedication and uncompromising standards; for his very sharp wit and "no-nonsense" temperament; for his contribution to cheetah research; and for the knowledge and experience he unselfishly shared with those students and professionals who had the opportunity of working with him.
Professor Meltzer is survived by his wife Miriam, and children Cornell, Erich en Mel.
This extraordinary man will be sorely missed by each and every one of us at the H.E.S.C.
Prof Meltzer - an Extraordinary Man.
The Way Forward.
We have appointed a research committee to support the ongoing research and breeding initiatives at the Centre. This committee comprises the following people:
- Prof Nick Kriek | Director: Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies
- Dr Richard Burroughs | Senior Lecturer
- Dr Peter Rogers | Wildlife Veterinarian
- Edward Webb | Scientific Researcher
They met for their 1st meeting on Friday, 6 November 2009 to discuss future plans for the HESC.
We wish them all the best and would like to thank them for their valued professional contribution.
Watch this space for updates....
Some Heartfelt Thank-Yous.
Once again, we have some very generous donors to thank.
US Friends of the HESC : Heidi and Allen Roberts
Several years ago, a New York couple visited Camp Jabulani. They fell in love with it, and with the HESC. Heidi and Allen Roberts returned from South Africa determined to help the HESC and Lente Roode with their work in rescuing endangered and orphaned wild animals. To that end they established Friends of HESC, a 501C(3) non-profit organization, and set about organizing a series of dinner parties in their Park Avenue home to fund it.
This is the third year that the Roberts have hosted a series of dinners - attended by 24 guests who made a minimum contribution of $500 each.
As a result of their tireless efforts, the Roberts made another donation of USD 40,000 to Lente Roode for the HESC in September 2009!
We are humbled at their perseverance, consistent support and fervent passion for this cause. The Roberts have become a fundamental part of the HESC.
Seen here, Allen, Lente, Heidi and Helen
Toyota South Africa
Toyota [Lynnwood Road, Pretoria] kindly replaced the Avanza they had sponsored to the HESC with a brand new one.
We thank them from the bottom of our hearts. Toyota has been supportive and involved with the HESC since the early 1990's. We are very proud to be affiliated with them.
Lente & Patrick Mayne from Toyota Lynnwood.
Virtuoso Africa®
Virtuoso Africa® is a network of Africa's finest properties selected by the Virtuoso affiliation of America's knowledgeable travel advisors who draw upon first-hand experience to craft the perfect vacation in Africa for their clients.
The Virtuoso Africa® collection recently decided to collect and donate money to endangered species - including the cheetah, the gorilla, the mountain leopard and wild XXX?
The HESC was selected as a suitable representative organisation for the cheetah. We are very proud of the fact that the HESC has the been awarded accreditation by the Convention of international Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) in recognition of the groundbreaking work conducted at the Centre in respect of this previously endangered animal.
Click here to read more on this valuable accreditation.
Huge thanks go to Sally for collecting the funds for HESC
Sally Merrington hands a cheque to Tiaan [the cheetah for HESC] on behalf of Virtuoso.
Other Fundraising Initiatives
The Sabie River Golf Day
We enjoyed a superb round of golf on the 17th July 2009 hosted by SABIE RIVER SUN (who were extraordinary in their support, their hospitality and in the calibre of their facilities).
The very enthusiastic participants arrived full-force to enjoy a marvellous day in the sun. A total of 11 four-balls had reserved their spaces in advance.
A total of R50 000 was raised for the endangered and vulnerable wildlife housed at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
Click here to read more on the lucky winners, and to see a collection of excellent images captured on the day.
Seen here are Willa, Ansie, Michelle and Adine - Team HESC.
Two of our Adopted Cheetahs
Tristan is our pride and joy. He is one of our king cheetahs. Duma is another of our cheetahs who is a master at climbing fences and trees, and is a little older than Tristan. He often visited Tristan, and they decided that they wanted to stay together.
Tristan has been adopted by Brian and Arlene Wilkins from the United States. Duma has been adopted by grandma Nancy - also from the United States - for her grandson. She also gave him his name.
When a cheetah gets adopted, for that year all costs related to the cheetah (including feeding, physical environment, emotional care, veterinarian costs, etc) are carried by the adoptive parent/s.
This is a tremendous financial support to HESC since we are reliant on sponsorships and donations for survival. Click here to learn more....
Tristan - a magnificent King Cheetah
Did you know?
The king cheetah is a rare mutation of cheetah characterized by a distinct pelt pattern. A recessive gene must be inherited from both parents in order for this pattern to appear - which is one reason why it is so rare. Click here to learn more about the King Cheetah.
Can you Help?
All enclosures at HESC are fenced off. There are proper foundations with steel poles and wire netting. We have a total of 50 enclosures.
After 20 years the wire and the poles are getting old and weathered. Almost all the fencing needs to be replaced.
Is there some way you can help? E-mail us now if you are able to assist with materials or a financial contribution.
"Hello, my name is Georgina Bedford and I have just gotten back from a 3 week placement in Hoedspruit, which I organised through worldwide experiences. I thought I would give you some feedback on my experience from the 3 weeks!
I had the time of my life in Hoedspruit, I have so many amazing memories from my time in South Africa. The cheetah project is an excellent program, The people there were incredibly friendly and welcoming; our student coordinator, Elouise in particular was fantastic!
The motto at Hoedspruit is 'work hard, play hard' and this fits perfectly. I was in a group with 5 other girls from various countries and I feel I have made friends for life! We worked so well and hard as a group that work felt like fun!
The accommodation at the cheetah project was amazing! our camp, Nungu camp is so comfortable and well equipped. You really get a feel for the bush at the camp whilst also feeling safe and at home.
I felt I learnt a lot form this 3 week placement not only about animals from South Africa, but about the country itself, it was a very educational program and had such great balance with the planning of our placement there.
Not once did I feel homesick and as I was the youngest in the group this came as quite the shock. I could have stayed for a lot longer! This is my only flaw in the program.........make it longer!!
Thank you sooooo much for giving me this opportunity!!"
(From Worldwide Experiences - click here for further information)
One of our more adventurous students at the HESC
Some very special Visitors
As part of the Student's Programme, participants may get involved with lesser privileged communities. In a unique project, the HESC has partnered with the rural school of Paulos Ngobeni Primary School, located 25kms from the Centre.
Grade 4 learners from the school have the opportunity to visit the Centre to learn more about endangered wildlife, and the cheetah in particular. They work closely with the Students as they go about their daily duties.
Written by one of our "students" - Arda (Netherlands)
"Today is special; we will have very important visitors. Children from the local school will visit the centre to learn about cheetahs.
I feel a bit awkward coming all the way from Holland to tell African children about their own animals. But they are fantastic and actually already know a lot. They know, for example, that the cheetah has tear marks and it helps them to see.
They are very eager to learn, and Jack and I tell them about the special features the cheetah has for speed.
After the lecture they help us make food for some of the smaller animals and during a walk through the centre they all want to help with the feeding. It is great to see they love animals and are having a good time. Seeing the animals eat has made them hungry and we treat them to some sandwiches and drinks. But tired they are not, so after lunch we go outside for a nice game of soccer. When it is time to leave they all get in the bus and wave goodbye; 12 happy faces- what a wonderful morning".
From one of the teachers who visited with learners on 11 November 2009:
"At the above date at HESC we educators and learners of Paulos Ngobeni School we enjoy a lot. When we arrived they welcome us and the students (Arda & Jack) started to teach our learners about a cheetah and their functions. Most of the learners were very active and showing interest and understanding the lesson. After the lesson we went to the animal kitchen and prepare food for the tortoise and owls and go and feed the animals. At the educational centre they made some drawings and wrote some activities. We enjoyed the lessons. They were very much excited about all the things. And even us (Cate and Priscilla) we were very much pleased about the things they are doing for us because you can feel the love, dedication and the development to our learners. We thank you for everything that you are doing.
May the Good Lord bless and multiply everything you have in your thoughts.
Thanks a million
From Paulos Ngobeni School"
 
 
Students of the Paulos Ngobeni School at the HESC on 11 November 2009.
 Join the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre Students Group on Facebook.....
What's new with the animals at the H.E.S.C?
Surrogate mothers at HESC
Heidi the sheep has again assumed her role as surrogate mother, and has passed with flying colours! Strepies ("Stripes" in Afrikaans) the zebra is an orphan, and was brought to the HESC as a baby. In Heidi's care, he grew to be a strong and independent animal - he is now so protective over his ‘mother’ that nobody dares coming near!
Heidi has also taken care of several rhinos, sable antelope and elephants over the past 9 years.
Heidi and Strepies with a couple of HESC's rangers.
Nandi the Alsatian dog is also a proud and admirable surrogate mother to 4 gorgeous cheetah cubs.
Nandi the Alsation with one of "her" cheetah cubs Our Little Lady Buffalo
A few years ago, HESC found a buffalo calf with one horn broken off right at the skull. She was badly injured, and Dr. Peter Rogers attended to her - medicating and bandaging her wounds. She remained in an enclosure at the HESC, and grew up to be a real "little lady buffalo". One day, when staff were busy with deforesting, our buffalo took her chance and slipped away. Despite efforts to find her, the devastated team at the Centre were unsuccessful. She did not come back until some time later....
Only this time she had a little calf. She was put into an enclosure next to the animals, but she was not happy there. One day Mrs Roode opened her enclosure. Mother buffalo and her baby walked behind Mrs Roode’s vehicle right to her old enclosure. They voluntarily walked in, and are now happy, contented and completely relaxed!
"Little Lady Buffalo" & her baby
Kumbura
Another orphaned baby elephant has found its way to Camp Jabulani, via the HESC.
The plight of this 18 month old calf was brought to the attention of the HESC/ Camp Jabulani Team by Nature Conservation authorities when she had been seen wandering alone through the bush in the beginning of July. It is not known what happened to her mother or herd. She arrived at Camp Jabulani on Saturday 29th August, and was in a highly traumatised state. Despite her fear and aggression, she was soon calmed by Lundi and new baby Mambo. The two elephants were in the stable adjacent to hers, and both animals tenderly stroked the new arrival with their trunks.
Despite being severely underweight, her prospects for a healthy survival are good. She has been named "Kumbura", meaning "Remembrance". Her arrival is a bitter-sweet memory to the HESC/ Camp Jabulani teams, as this day marked the 7 year passing of Johann Roode - the man without whom neither Camp Jabulani, nor the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre would have been in existence today.
Kumbura is now a lovely, healthy and happy little elephant who is multi-mothered – she takes turns to drink milk from a few different elephant cows.
Click here to read more, and to view a YOUTUBE clip taken a short while after she arrived with us.
Kumbura the orphaned elephant on the day of her arrival on 29th August 2009.
Important projects of late
Cheetah Releases
Farmers occasionally experience problems with cheetahs on their properties. To assist them, and to protect the vulnerable predators, the HESC will then provide cages in which the cheetah can be contained. These problem animals are then collected from the landowners property, and placed in quarantine where they receive veterinary attention and are inoculated, as may be necessary. They are then transferred to secluded camps until they can be transferred to suitable large conservation areas. The ultimate aim is to release them back into the wild in areas where they are not threatened, or a menace to the farming community.
To date we have released over 50 such cheetahs which would otherwise have faced an untimely end at the hands of very frustrated land owners.
A cage typically used to capture problem cheetahs before relocating them to the HESC
Read more about problem animals helped by the HESC.
Some Special Friends
Ms. Deaf SA
The HESC has very proudly sponsored the new Ms. Deaf South Africa, Vickie Fourie, for the year of her reign. This remarkable young lady is a true princess in every sense, and has displayed an extraordinary maturity, courage, passion and beauty that is much more than skin-deep. Vickie also holds the responsibilities of spokesperson for the deaf/hard of hearing, and ambassador for Hoedspruit (HESC).
Narda Els, founder of the Ms Deaf SA pageant, says after the first competition was held, the organisers realised that there are many undiscovered talented women within the deaf community, and that it was possible to compete against the rest of the world. “We decided that it was time to create a showcase for Deaf people in South Africa, irrespective of race, age or culture. This pageant has become a vehicle for crossing the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities. ”
The organisers searched for a deaf lady who would be an ambassador for South Africa and who would, most of all, be someone who could educate the hearing about the deaf community and share views regarding the so-called ‘disability’ of being deaf. She will have to deal with issues such as unemployment, human rights, better communication, and proper training institutions for the deaf.
And Vicki Fourie emerged as "Belle of the Ball".
Vicki Fourie shortly after being crowned Ms. Deaf SA
Johnny Jet Visits the HESC
Anyone in the know (particularly in the United States) will recognise the name of Johnny Jet. A travel writer whose stories and first hand accounts are well read, this opinion leader's website was made Website of the Week by USA Today.
Johnny Jet visited the HESC, and was hosted on a trip through the Centre by Lente Roode.
To view a YOUTUBE clip on his entire African journey entitled SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI, click here.
Seen here with Lente Roode is Johnny Jet
The Teagarden at the HESC is under new management.
A warm welcome to Elize and her team. Visitors will find a brand new and improved menu.
Contact us for Kiddies Parties, and small groups wishing to enjoy a meal during their visit to the Centre. All proceeds go towards the Centre.
If there is something you would like to see in forthcoming editions of Cheetah Chat, please let us know. We welcome your feedback.
In the spirit of conservation and respect
of our planet and its inhabitants
The Team at The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
www.hesc.co.za
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