Ok, enough about the rugby (see posts at Facebook) except to say well done to both teams and I think the fact we're still number one just shows what a small country can do if they unite and put their minds to it. I've spent a couple of hours reading online reports of the game, catching some highlights and yeah, it all seems a bit surreal compared to the state of things here in Nepal. In the news reports there are often comments, usually by New Zealand and Australian supporters, many less than gracious... well you people should get yourself over here into the real world, it's just a game. Well done All Blacks, you deserved it...
I'm delaying my written piece about leopard handler Asis Gurung (as well as a follow up about wildlife technician Tikaram Tharu) a few days as there's been a few twists in the tail here. However, it looks like that despite the challenges and delays because of the instability, we are within days of making the translocation. I've got fingers crossed there'll be no problems to prevent it. I get people asking for photographs etc, can I just ask again that people understand that the isolation process with the cubs is critical to the program. Yes, there are images from fixed cameras, valuable data but for security and ethical purposes we have to be diligent about how it all works. This isn't a zoo. The fact that I published so many images of Asa was to maintain support and promote a project that we are now evolving. There will be updates but once again, security is key, especially with all the unrest here at the moment.
In the camera trap image here you can see the cubs are in great shape as they joust in the isolation area. They also have their inside den area as well as plenty of jungle time. Using non climbable walls means we can maintain an open top and we will take this thinking into future structures, I'll have more on this at a later date. A great deal of thought, discussion and planning goes into the process. We are constantly examining, researching and improvising.
So I'll have more soon as we count down the hours. I did take inspiration from our Rugby World Cup win, the pursuit of excellence. We're dealing with a whole different set of parameters here though. It's a jungle, a real one...
