By Michele Merrifield | Co-Founder
Dear Friend,
Most of us are still suffering from the pandemic, which hit all of us without exception. We thought we would have to close our doors within 3 months and we were very worried for the survival of our animals that cannot live without us!
Not only did we need fund to feed the animals but also to maintain their enclosure, health and pay our general running costs that we brought down to the minimum.
Fortunately, some of our previous learners, who are now adults, offered to help us caring for the animal on a volunteer basis. We were so touched by the responses when we called for help!
Do you know that last year, our learners increased their knowledge about the importance of protecting animals by 185 %.
Our fundraising campaigns through GlobalGiving brought us lots of emotions as well when we saw how YOU responded so positively and added your generous contribution to our need.
We have been able to maintain food and care for all the animals and even had the wonderful present of babies from Câline our beloved Dassie who is a great part of the family.
I am personaly completely mad about this animal that I rescued years ago as a baby. With her by my side, I do not need a therapist when I am down. She just provides me all the love, faith and positivity that I need when I am down. Câline and her companion Little Boy are actually sleeping every night in my room with the dogs, and my husband!!! Suprisingly, our dassies also use our human toilets to do their business - they are very clean.
Three weeks ago, we had a great surprise as Little Boy, who we thought was just a fat boy, gave birth to two babies in a corner of the camp!!!
Câline was definitely a female as she is very gentle J but so big that we knew she would also give birth. We were checking on her every day, listening to every breeze and seeing the babies moving in her tummy. We couldn’t wait and it seems it took forever!
Last sunday, I could see that Caline had a strange behaviour. She pooped on the floor despite she always uses the bathroom. I immediately understood that she was going to give birth and took her to a calm area. I sat on the floor, did not hold her paw but I would have if I could!!! I was excited but so worried for her too. One hour later, right in front of me, a little dassies was born. Then the second came very quickly behind. At the beginning Caline didn’t know what to do with the 2 babies as it is her first litte but instinct kicked in very quickly. The babies are very vivid : jumping, climbing walls, impatient to discover the world.
We thought the show was over when two hours later, a third baby popped out!!! Being weaker, bleeding from the umbilical cord, I immediately gave him first aid and today, the 3 babies are doing well. They are already having fun with their brothers, born 2 weeks earlier.
I am happy to share the beautiful dassie birth video, hoping you will appreciate as much as I did to be part of this event.
We thank YOU so much for your generous support toward the care of our animals. We wouldn’t have been able to make it without you during this COVID time. These baby Dassie are also YOURS so do not hesitate to let me know if you want to learn more about them.
I sincerely hope you are all healthy on your side and as positive as we all are here at DAKTARI.
Lots of love from DAKTARI and South Africa.
Links:
By Marie Bauvin | Project Leader
By Marie Bauvin | Project Leader
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