Baby bears, belly aches and blown up computers
Trip Start
Jun 11, 2011
1
8
13
Trip End
Jul 13, 2011
Phnom Tamao, Takêv, Cambodia
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
An interesting week, it hasn't all gone smoothly: a day of poo pick up, painting, food prep, bear observations etc on Monday for Linda while Kat spent the day plotting and planning on her laptop re projects Matt would like done. Tuesday was the day all went pear shaped: Linda's stomach decided it was time for a day off - ick! - and Kat's computer alarmed her by belching smoke, frazzling her cable. Ho hum.
The death of a computer has it's upside - Kat was able to get out helping the Keepers again today which is most enjoyable, even considering the language barrier that often exists - never before has mime been such fun! Stomach much improved, I made it out today too, helping out and completing a little more observation time on three bears who are plucking fur.
A sobering moment however when a sudden 'boom' silenced the birds briefly this afternoon - apparently a mine exploding nearby - an indication of the harsh reality that is life in post Khmer Rouge Cambodia.
Exciting stuff today though too: a bear cub found by villagers and handed in to the Forestry Dept arrived today. Despite concerns about it's size - only 1.3kg - and the length of the journey, it seems the male cub is actually in quite good condition and certainly ate well. How the wee soul ended up on his own we can only speculate............ Of course he has gone into quarantine but one of the staff here kindly took photos for us and we are allowed to give you a sneak peek. So, if Kat's computer rallies for a few minutes, we'll attach a pic or two.
We hope you all had a wee read of the Phnom Penh Post story about Ploy, the bear rescued last week. FTB staff are considering introducing her to another young female for company so watch this space........
Comments
Hey guys, sounds like you're having a blast and doing some awesome work at the same time for Wellington Zoo!! So cool Dave was there with you guys and loving hearing of your stories and your experiences!! Linda, I hope your tum is feeling a bit better! Miss ya! That lil cub is just the cutest!! Love the photos!
Meagan (Melbourne Zoo)
Hi Linda and Kat - yes it is a different world outside NZ isn't it? The little bear looks so helpless so I hope it goes well with him. Have you seen all the news about the Emperor penguin we have at the Zoo at the moment. Hes/She is amazing!!!! Lisa and the team are doing a great job with trying to save it and it has been wonderful to have the Nest facilities to do this work. Conitnue having a productive and fun time - say hi to Matt for me. Cheers
K