July 6, 2009

• Pinch me, I live in Africa……

  On Wednesday, Kev and I had the privilege to head for an overnight at Tree Lodge.  We took our computers and got some much needed work done in the day, but the goal was to rest and just get away for a bit.  Serena and Sierra watched Piper and Andrew so that we could go on this lovely overnight. 

  Upon arrival at the lodge, Diane told us, “So we have a new baby giraffe that was just born a few days ago.”  I had heard from Jerry that one of the giraffes was expecting so I was excited to hear that she had delivered.  Kev said he wanted to go look for it, but rest was on my agenda and I didn’t quite feel like walking or driving around hunting for a baby giraffe that I probably wouldn’t see.  Instead, I rested……that’s what I came to do, and that’s what I did!

  On Thursday morning we woke up to a horrible flat tire so when the group left on the truck to find the baby giraffe, Kev and I missed it.  I still thought to myself, “Oh well…..it’s just a giraffe, not like I’ve never seen one of those before!”  I still get excited to see animals here, but after living here for 6 years I don’t get quite as excited as I used too.  (Now if there is a lion or other cat around……watch out, I can hardly contain my excitement! )  After getting our flat fixed we decided we should head back home.  Erin loaded up with us and we decided to drive around a bit to see if we could see the giraffe.  (The Lodge property has 7) After driving for an hour we didn’t see it. We did see some Gemsbock, Impala, Zebra, Ostrich and various other deer like animals…..yes, I get them all confused.   I thought, “Oh well….no biggie”.  Just as we were getting ready to pass through the gate to leave, I spotted them…..giraffe…..the whole heard!  We knew the baby had to be close but that the heard was probably really protecting it.  Kev off roaded a bit and we saw it (still not sure if it’s a girl or boy as the umbilical cord is still attached and they couldn’t tell yet)……..
   
  
  This sweet baby giraffe (pics courtesy of Erin Adams)

  I’ve never seen such a small one before so as I stood their watching it I realized it was pretty rare to see a giraffe that was just a few days old.  It still stood every bit of 6ft tall and as I looked at the others I wondered how in the world the momma carried such a big baby.  Doug (the Lodge’s manager) said that he watched it being born and it was quite amazing as it comes out feet first and then it just drops a good 4-5ft on the ground when it’s born!  Can you imagine!? 

  The others did a good job of shielding it from us, but we sat for awhile to just watch it and the others.  I sat in the stillness……hearing the birds and the sound of Erin’s camera clicking away and had a moment…….at “pinch me I live in Africa” moment.  All this just 20 min outside of where I live…..seriously!  Crazy!?! I guess I really did care about seeing that little baby after all and we were so lucky to catch it just on the way out. 

  • 4:46 am
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