There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
(10-14-2021, 06:21 PM)lionuk Wrote: Latest update from Tintswalo Safari Lodge:
A word from Alistair...
So please understand that we do care about Red Road. Please be patient with us as we collect more video footage for you and we will definitely keep you updated as soon as we have any more information for you. The only time we would ever intervene with an injured animal is if this injury was caused as a result of any human interaction. We cannot interfere with what nature has written for the animals of our incredible reserve. This is up to her and not us.
I remember Tristan had to make a similar statement when Maribye's had his puff adder bite.
I completely understand their position in not "interfering" with nature, but I also understand and see where the social media concerns arise from. These lodges/enterprises no doubt profit heavily from RRM and all their lions, they goto the effort to name them (which like it or not, does engender more sentimental bonding from the general public), highlight them in videos by name, and they know people come to their lodge to see those "XYZ" lions, so some people logically expect in return for "interfering" with their lives by tracking, viewing, and videotaping them as well as making profit off them, some medical or other care can be done for these animals when when they are injured, lost etc.
There is also the dichotomy which many know about in regards to "conservation": for example the very same week the Vet Joel had removed the snare from RRM because it was "man-made", he had been videotaped injecting (darting) several Manyeleti lionesses with birth control. So to many, although the actions done for conservation, limiting lion populations because of limited resources, its a "human interference" - if you can inject some lionesses with birth control why not give RRM a shot of antibiotic for the abscess or painkiller to improve his quality of life?
And then there is the comparison with the Massai Mara, also making money off of their iconic lions, who go through great efforts to interfere. How many dozens of surgeries did Scarface go through on his eye over the years? And they recently surgically saved one of the males in the Black Rock Male coalition there, who had a serious femoral injury from a territorial fight with another male almost identical to what the Styx male just died from (presumed by the Mhangeni's). If they do it they do it in Kenya, why not S. Africa?
I'm not one to be harassing the rangers or guides, I enjoy their videos as much as anyone. I just wanted to help explain why there are sometimes are these comments, concerns, or "expectations to help" when a "star" (named) animal is injured.
Anyway, I'm very glad to see RRM is doing so much better than we all predicted given the prior statements made without any interference!
