Nala the Zebra
Dear Readers
It is February already and I feel as though January has passed in a blur of anxiety, stress and some jolly bad temper!! One always feels as though once Christmas is complete, things will settle down and be calm and peaceful. Not a chance!
I chose a word for myself this year … FRESH. Well, there is nothing fresh about me right now, despite my best of intentions! I am painting badly, frustrated by my limited physical abilities and find some people terribly tiresome! I need to get a grip!
Let me introduce you to our latest little rescued treasure, NALA. She was rescued from an area within Hwange National Park, by a very kind gentleman, who cared enough to know that something was wrong and put some effort into getting her to a place of safety. As I have said previously, animals are often treated as disposable commodities. They are not. They are living, feeling beings, who need nurture and care, just as we do.
Nala was spotted alone amongst a herd of impala. This is obviously very unusual for a young zebra foal, who is clearly milk dependent and unable to defend herself. I think she was rather smart to join up with the impala … at least she had some defense and an early warning system, if danger lurked. However, with no milk to sustain her, she was at serious risk. I suspect the demise of her mother was due to humans, as if predators had killed her, they would have killed the calf too. Anyhow, we will never know.
She followed a vehicle to her rescuer’s home and refused point blank to leave. Poor JP, he was at a loss and eventually managed to get hold of us. We gave him an emergency milk and rehydration protocol. It wasn’t ideal, but JP was so diligent that he kept this little girl going, for some days.
In the meantime, ZimParks were involved and sent a team to inspect the calf and evaluate the situation. No animal may be removed from a Park, without explicit consent of Zimparks, and protocols have to be followed. This is a good thing, as otherwise stealing animals from National Parks would be rampant. Let alone the poaching risk.
We were awarded a permit to uplift the filly, when it was ascertained that she was too young and needed expert care and rehabilitation. As you are aware, we try to re-wild animals that have been rescued, as best we can.
It was a very long drive from Panda Masuie, our release/landscape area, to the location of the foal. The road is absolutely terrible, but the Team were determined. Once all cleared by ZimParks, and JP had said a sad goodbye to his little angel, they returned to Panda, arriving just prior to nightfall. Nala, as she was named by JP, travelled well, without sedation but managed beautifully by Paradzai Mutize and the rescue crew.
There to greet her on arrival was Rain, the resident Zebra, who has been a bit lonely for a while. How on earth he knew a zebra was arriving, we will never know! Tracey Manning, our Panda Elephant Manager and Veterinarian was also on hand to check Nala over and supervise her first feed.
Nala was a bit dazed, understandably so after that appalling road, but was up on her long skinny malinky legs and giving Rain the eye, hoping for some milk. We were deeply concerned that Rain may try to hurt her, as Zebra stallions can be brutal with foals that are not their own. He was a total gentleman, giving a few “yip, yip, yips” at her and very curious.
We did need to separate them, as if Nala had taken off with Rain into the bush, we would have had a mighty snag.
Nala was put into a lovely warm stable, given a delicious bowl of formula, and settled into her new spot. Rain stayed with her the entire night, never leaving the side of her stable. Extraordinary!
The following day, we moved Nala into Jos’ garden, as it is fenced and safe. The rabbit house was cleaned out to serve as a stable for her. (It’s a palace) Emmanuel was put onto Zebra duty and has been taking care of her exclusively.
Rain, found her again and remains at the side of the fence keeping her company during the day. She is now bonded to her milk, so she is let out of the garden and taken for walks and gallops, which she absolutely loves. Rain follows her diligently, keeping a firm eye on her. They wander around the workshop area and explore the bush. The benefit of having another Zebra to help with Nala cannot be underestimated. She copies everything he does, and how he does it! She is grazing well, eating a few fresh leaves, partaking in some yummy cubes and generally growing from a fluffy little girl into a leggy princess.
We have had zero problems with her tummy and she is an absolute joy to be around. Tracey is totally in love with her, as is Emmanuel and the rest of the Panda Team! What a life she now has!
In other news, William is doing so well and growing before my very eyes. I am completely enchanted by him. He is going out for walks and gallops, eating solids and, to our surprise, interacting with his Mum, who visits him daily! He is a happy little chap, although I am cautious of those endless legs!
Our saddest news of all, was that during the heavy rains we lost both George and Louis, the baby giraffes, within a week of each other. I was absolutely horrified as well as heartbroken. Extensive post mortem and testing was done, but it was ascertained that both had been killed by snake bite. I did get in the snake expert and we have hunted the bloody murderers relentlessly. We think we have succeeded, but it is not a case of shooting the perpetrators … they are far too big and dangerous to do that. I have kept away from that whole exercise as I have a pathological fear of serpents. I really dislike the spookery that surrounds these creatures! The bottom line is that we have lost two very loved and very valuable animals. There are only about 7500 giraffe left in Zimbabwe, so every single life matters.
On a happier note, we have received wonderful, drenching rains this year. Our grasses have recovered from the fire, the trees are blooming and the air is fresh and clean.
Now to get myself into a fresh state of mind and try to be on time in the future with my Substack news. Apologies for being late!
Big love
Rox xxx
I read your posts, Roxy, in a wash of emotions - from your honesty about feeling testy and perhaps a bit drained to the ups and downs of each animal story. The sheer delight of the zebra rescue to the heartbreak of losing two young giraffes, to the deep contentment of good rains which will sustain so much life. I am drawn into your brave and significant life stories and feel gratitude for you and all your staff. Every life matters and every love matters. Thank you. Kathy
Roxy, I love your writing! Thank you for your storytelling - it brings me so much closer to everything going on with the beautiful animals and their wonderful caretakers. The world is a better place because of you all! 🖤🤍