Saturday, January 21, 2012

Got something to tell you!

Pisst...I have something to tell you!
Xivindzi and Xivambalana.
Hi everyone!

What an amazing week and half! After 4x4ing with my little sedan, I managed to get back to the sands yesterday! I was going to spill the beans on my future earlier in the week, but as the saying goes plans of mice and men....., so I had to leave you with a cliff hanger! I was only going to spend a night with Joe and Penny in Kruger, but circumstances changed which allowed me to stay the week with them and I am so glad I could! We had wonderful sightings of the magnificent 7 including hunting cheetah and leopard as well as a pack of 15 wild dogs strolling by the vehicle! Apart from the delicious food and many fantastic moments, the company was wonderful and all enjoyed more than just a giggle I can tell you! I even participated in a few firsts as well; being in the tail end of cyclone was one of them. I think the northern sands has been quite lucky with very little damage compared to the South and even Hoedspruit. (I will write a separate blog about the trip though!) 

Cheetah from Kruger after the rains
Anyway I digress! Before I went to Kruger to see Joe, Penny and her family, I was busy organizing my head and life! After the time spent with my family in the UK it has helped me to decide which direction I want to head in. I do miss the Uk and my family, but I still love Africa and her creatures, especially the cats and rhinos as you all know. With this in mind I have decided to join the Ingwe Leopard Research. 

The Kruger before the rains
There is need of a zoologist to run the research and the Black leopard campus volunteer scheme. Although it is something I have never done before, I do enjoy a new challenge and have wanted to do some form of research even before I joined WildEarth. At this stage in my career I believe it is the best step for me, but I still want to keep a track of what happens with Karula and her family, even if it is popping up on leave to see her and of course I will keep you posted too! There is going to be a lot of scope for development and new skills to learn, which I am very excited about and of course learning more about these special spotted felines is going to be fascinating! 


I will be based in a small camp nestled in one of the valleys in Lydenberg at Thaba Tholo game reserve and it is a stunning little spot! A small waterhole which is frequented by game and sometimes, I would wager, leopard, will be over looked by the volunteer tents as well as mine! I will be keeping you all up to date on the progress and of course about the leopards and my tales. I hope you will join me for this next chapter and who knows where it will lead! 


If there is anyone wanting to know more information about the Ingwe Leopard Research here is the link http://www.ingweleopard.com/. If anyone does want to volunteer please get in touch with us! 

Karula and a 6 month old Xivindzi
And just one more bit of news before I sign off, I am sure everyone will be over joyed to hear Karula and both cubs were seen this morning enjoying playing in the puddles as the walked down Vuyatela access road. Sadly I didn't get to see them but staff did! I will try and get out in the next couple of days to check on the hyena den! 

Keep well,
Tara


32 comments:

  1. Awesome news Tara, I am so happy you are well, and moviing into the next step in your life!! We will surely all enjoy sharing this exciting new adventure vicariously through your wonderful blogs and photos!!

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  2. Very cool news, Tara! I'm happy and excited for you. It should be an excellent new opportunity for you to learn and grow and of course, being with leopards. I'd volunteer if I was a wee bit closer (Florida is a little too far - lol). I'm thrilled you will be able to keep us in touch with what's going on with Karula and other leopards as you know it means so much to everyone. When do you begin with the ILP?

    Take care of yourself. Love, El -

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  3. Tara! Many many congratulations! Some of us had a feeling you might end up there - with your skills and interests it seems to be a perfect match!

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  4. Such exciting news for you Tara! Thank you for sharing it with us. We all miss you and the guys ever so much. I look forward to hearing about this new journey of yours!

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  5. wonderful news tara, and congrads on landing this position looking forward to your imput about this wonderful project and await more good news!

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  6. Awesome newa Tarra. Great opertunity for you to learn more about Leopards. Thank you for the update on Karula and the cubs.

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  7. Tara, I know that must have been a hard decision to make. Congrats on your decision, and I happy that you still keep us informed about your life. Best wishes to you.

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  8. Dearest Tara,
    Always in the back of my mind, I knew you would end up at the research center. It is perfect for you. I know you will keep us informed of all that happens and for that I am grateful. Thanks so much for all you have done and continue to do for our animal friends. You are a joy and the Ingwe project is so lucky to get such an excellent representative. Always, Diane Phillips

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  9. Outstanding news, Tara--I think you will make a wonderful contributor to the Ingwe Leopard Research project! You are an excellent observer and have the training and experience to do a great job--and I do believe you really want to be in Africa--at least for now! I'm not surprised in the least that you have taken on this new challenge. You will do very well--I am certain!
    Best of luck to you!

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  10. Great news Tara and good career move. I would love to volunteer sometime - I will look up the website. I admire that you are following your interests in South Africa and wish you all the best. Keep in touch!

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  11. What an awesome exiciting new path for you Tara. I am sure you will enjoy your new venture. Thankyou for filling us in. Best wishes and much happiness to you

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  12. Hi Tara: So good to hear from you! And huge Congratulations on your joining the Ingwe Leopard Research! You will do beautifully there! All good luck and yes, pls. keep us posted when time allows.
    marlies mcdonald

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  13. Tara - such exciting new opportunites. We look forward to hearing about the new and interesting things you discover, and the new animals for us to become aquainted with. Blessing to you.

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  14. wonderful news tara Hoping it all goes well for you.Follow your dreams

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  15. Congrats Tara. Very exciting new adventure. I hope we can hear more of this new research project. We love you...

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  16. I am so pleased for you, Tara. With your love of the leopards and African animals in general, you will be a natural at this. Congratulations and thank you for keeping us involved in your life. You are a very special person!

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  17. OUUR DARLING TARA~ CONGRATULATIONS~ and BEST WISHES!!! IT IS PART OF YOU TO BE INVOLVED WITH SOMETHING LIKE THIS!!! YOU HAVE A GIFT!! YOU ARE SO BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO FOLLOW SOMETHING SO CLOSE TO YOUR HEART!!YOU HAVE FOUND A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEART and ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!! TY EVER SO MUCH FO UPDATES BECAUSE YOUR CATS ARE OUR CATS NOW!! GOD BE WITH YOU!! Suzanne

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  18. Hi Tara! I miss you all so much. So glad you have found something that will both challenge and delight you! I checked out the link and it sounds perfect for you. I may have to adopt a leopard!! I wish you the best and please keep in touch!! ((Illinois) :)

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  19. Congratulations, Tara! Perfect move and no surprise!!!Looking forward to the further adventures of Tara! Enjoy, be happy, and definately keep in touch! Miss you and love you!

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  20. Congratulations, Tara! I am so pleased you are staying in Africa working in research with one of the big cats. Enjoy this next step on you journey and May God Bless!

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  21. Congratulations Tara. Ingwe Leopard has landed themselves a very talented and devoted employee. I am sure you will be a great success in every way. Working with Leopards...what an awesome opportunity.
    Good luck
    Lots of love
    Diane

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  22. congrats on new position Tara..Miss you like mad on safari but am happy for this wonderful opportunity for you to do something you love I know you will be such an asset them.

    Good Luck
    Alice

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  23. Tara, congratulations on your new position with the Ingwe Leopard Project. With your skill set you will do a sashing job. Knowledge of and love of leopards, rhinos and all animals, organizer, educator, and helper. I am so delighted for you. Please do keep us posted. Good luck.

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  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  25. Great to hear from you and congratulations.
    Sorry for deleting last post...too much typos :(
    What I wanted to say is that I`m very happy that you keep us updated on your new challenge and share this new experiences with us. Love your tales and pics.
    Will you still have the opportunity to work with Will? And maybe participating in his new project every now and than?

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  26. Congratulations Tara! What an asset you'll be to the research team. I'm new to your blogs, but followed you and the guys at Sabi Sands on Safari TV, and miss watching everyone and all the wonderful animals you've introduced to. I learned a lot from you, and know I'll continue to learn more from your blogs.

    Love and miss you,

    G@ry

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  27. SHO! I knew you would end up with Leopards. so glad you got to do what you love. keep us posted, thanks Donna 'Minna' Turn

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  28. May I complement you on your choice, milady ?
    This is excellent news! Congrats, and lots of success in your new job

    RC - NL

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  29. Tara,
    I am so pleased you have found a place to love and will be happy doibg what you do the best,
    I know your family will be happy for you as well.
    The Ingwe Leopard research group are lucky to have you.
    Enjoy the new journey in your life. I hope you are as happy as you make those around oyu.

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