Good to catch up with the rewilding team at NTNC - BCC in Chitwan. Asis and I talked long into the night, strategy both for the short and long term the continuing theme. Leopard cubs Tika and Ram are still in Stage 1 isolation working with their handlers Dr Asis Gurung and Tika Ram Tharu who are doing an excellent job. Those who have been following this project will know the translocation to Stage 2 has been pushed back while we deal with the complex issues surrounding the program in the current challenging situation here in Nepal. The young leopards are in superb condition, physically and mentally, and are exhibiting all the traits of behaviour we are working for.
Barely 24 hours after one long bus journey I'm about to board another for the demanding journey out west, a 10-12 hour overnight trip that my body never appreciates in the cramped seats but as Asis said last night "You only have to look into their eyes to know you have to do the right thing"...
