july 19 updated

July 19, 2016

Today one of the female lions had to be darted to give her a contraceptive injection.   All the lions that currently live at the orphanage were born here.  About 5-7 years ago, Zimbabwe went through a period of hyperinflation and the things that could be imported into the country were very limited, as was money.  So, the orphanage was not able to afford the contraceptive chips for the lions, so they bred.  They tried giving the contraception to the males but it caused them to loose their manes.  So while treating the males would be more cost effective (because there are less than them) they do not want the males to not look like males.  Many people come to Chipangali to see the lions.  I can’t tell you how many times I was asked “Where are the lions?”.  Because so many people come just to see the lions, they actually bring in a large portion of the income to  Chipangali.  And everyone wants to see a big male with a full mane!!  There is also a species of lion, called the black-maned lion, that is now extinct. The Chipangali lions carry some of the genes for this species,  which is why they all have such dark and full manes.   The Chipangali lions have manes that extend will past their shoulders and along their backs and all along the belly as well. 

The contraceptive chips last about 18 months.  The rest of the females are on the same schedule with needing one, but this one was not due to an injury when they inserted the chips in the other females.  Because she was under care for that injury, they didn’t want to stress her more and dart her an extra time and have the effectiveness of the chip compromised by the antibiotics she was on.

 Kevin does all of the chemical immobilization and they need to get all of the drugs into the animal in 3 ml or less.  It took about 25 minutes for her to go down and she also needed a backup dose of the drugs.  Once she was down, she was weighed.  Then I was in charge of monitoring her temperature every couple of minutes to make sure there were no drastic changes- either getting too hot or too cold.  The contraceptive chips were inserted and she was also vaccinated for rabies and feline flu.  Her teeth and body length were all measured as well.  Once everything was done she was given a reversal drug and put back in her enclosure. Her paws were huge!  Such an experience to be that close to an animal like that!  I wish I could start sharing all of my pictures with you but most of them are on my camera and I have limited Wifi so you will all need to wait!!

I monitored a lions temperature while she was tranqed…what did you do at work today?!?!

Zoe, who in charge of the carnivores, checking the lion’s microchip.

Nicky looks a little confused!

We vaccinated her as well.

Measured her teeth.  Found out she had a broken incisor.

We unloaded two truck loads of chips as well today.  Chipangali gets any expired chips from one of the stores and they are fed to the animals.  It is truly amazing that nothing here goes to waste.

Tomorrow I will be going to Matopos on the carnivore research trip until Friday so I should have a lot to post when I get back but will have no access to Wifi while I am there.  

The lamb is still doing ok.  She still is not keen on drinking from the bottle but gives in and drinks a little bit when she realizes I am not going away. 

Miss everyone!!