2. STOP THE PRESS!!! PYTHON ATTACK! CHICO IS A CHICA! Well actually I think he just wanted a warm place to sleep…the office is not one of them! Michele had a flirting suspicion that Chico was pregnant, but we all dismissed her as bush wacked!
3. THREE LITTLE PIGGIES Once upon a time lived four little abandoned Warthogs called Carlos, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha who were found on a Game Reserve. They came to us one Thursday afternoon and were a bit weak. All volunteers were eager to help and the piglets were given bottled a milk formula to keep them strong. Unfortunately that wasn ’ t enough for Carlos who died in the night. The girls went from strength to strength and are doing well, eating more everyday. They have developed their own very strong personalities – Samantha will stand at the gate making a racket until someone pays her attention and/or gives her food!! What a piggy!!!! We will keep you updated next month, until then we will be enjoying every second with these cuties!
4. NINA THE BUSHBABY The cutest of nature ’ s animals was given to Daktari to look after. Brought in by a dog and unable to jump, let alone look after herself, I was told to teach her the ways of the bush! It was all going swimmingly until she decided she wanted to explore, and we spent many hours under trees calling her name, beckoning her down. Now when the sun sets, she joins Chico on deep bush adventures, and we always find them safely curled up together in the morning. With the arrival of the baby, things may change…
6. Rana and Noha our two Egyptian Geese Liz and Lew from the USA Sandrine from Belgium & Vicky from England NEW VOLUNTEERS
7. OUR WEEK OFF... ...Blyde River Canyon The last week of November was a childless week due to exams taking place all over SA and although the volunteers were disappointed, Ian had planned a trip to Bylde River Canyon to entertain us all – what a good sport!! We saw it all – Gods Window was stunning leap into oblivion, the Potholes were a good bit of geological fun, the Rainforest rather damp and the Waterfalls breathtaking and cool. An interesting day was had by all, and another great experience offered by Daktari!
8. KEEPING BUSY AT DAKTARI While the children were away, the volunteers kept busy, but also indulged in cross-culture experiences – We learnt about the joys of Sinterklaas, a Dutch festive tradition involving shoes, funny paper hats, carrots and a man on a white horse; our Egyptian volunteers made us a traditional meal which was delicious. In the same week we finished the golf course, made new signs for the animals enclosures, received a new meeting board, bettered the mongoose enclosure – and in the process, Risette was savagely attacked and her feet mangled!!! WHAT A WEEK!!
9. ANIMALS TO SPONSOR Please sponsor my two sisters and myself for R300 a month!! Could you spare R300 for me too??? I only need R200 as I ’ m so small! I ’ m so hungry I need 10 people to sponsor me R200 a month! We only need R300 for the two of us…
10. FANTASTIC FREDDY! WOW! I have great news – for the first time in the four years I have spent at Daktari, fortune has smiled down on me and a lovely woman by the name of Karen Bain has decided to adopt me!!! What luck! Thank you Karen for caring Those who have been to Daktari before are all very well acquainted with Freddy the Donkey. Distinctive in personality and rather loud – he takes personal pleasure in braying his heart out at 6 in the morning to wake up the farm, and is now father to both Sunny and Halloween!
11. FORD FOCUS CAMPAIGN For those who have yet to have seen it advertised on Facebook or mentioned via email - Ford Focus is offering an exclusive chance to all those who care for Daktari to make a real difference! Global Giving has joined up with Ford Motors and are offering 40 individuals an all expenses paid trip to Spain to test drive the new Ford Focus, AS WELL AS giving the winner 10 000 USD to give to their charity of choice. It is a rare opportunity where we can give our sponsors something fun in return for their support; Daktari has decided to double the incentive and is offering the winner a two weeks free stay at Daktari any time in 2011. All you have to do is make a two minute video of Daktari, explaining what we do and why you think we deserve the 10 000 USD donation. You can be in it, or just as a voice over – the world is your creative oyster! We ask that you contact us so we can supply you with guidelines for the video, as it will better your chances of being chosen as one of the 40! The closing date for the video submission is the 31 st December 2010 so we need to be QUCK! Unfortunately the selection process is so that only European or US residents may submit a video…therefore we are counting on our foreign supporters for all the help they can give. If you are interested in helping us out enormously, please contact Michele at : [email_address] Thank you and we hope to be hearing from you very shortly!!!
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13. WAYS TO DONATE In South Africa Global Giving UK (tax deductible in the UK) Children - Project Over 100 South African youth educated about nature Global Giving US (tax deductible in the US) In South Africa (tax deductible in South Africa) Vehicle-Project Vehicle to transport underprivileged children In Germany (tax deductible in Germany) Bank: Sparkasse Münsterland-Ost Bankleitzahl: 40050150 Konto-Nummer: 1350 88 888. Name: Spendensammelverein Münster e.V. Reference: DAKTARI-Südafrika – Busch-Schule & Wildwaisen - Station Bank: First National Bank, Hoedspruit, South Africa Swift number: FIRN ZA JJ Branch Number: 270652 Account Number: Cheque Account (Non-Profit) 62044965129 Name: Daktari Wildlife Orphanage, South Africa DAKTARI ACCOUNT
14. Thank you to you all, Friends, donors & sponsors And a Happy New Year! Daktari wishes you A Merry Christmas