 |
| Deidre feeding one of the tiny rescued genets at Wild & Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. |
“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”
 |
| This is the adorable bushbaby, named Doc which I fed by hand in June. See the links included here today from the prior posts to see me feeding him. |
Several months ago, we wrote a two-part series on Wild & Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Hectorspruit, South Africa. Those stories may be found at this link for Part 1 and this link for Part 2.
 |
| Wild ducks found a home at Wild & Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. |
 |
| These two tiny genets, only a few months old, require Deidre to feed them every two hours around the clock to thrive. |
Visiting with Deidre and her precious little creatures, all of whom who’d never have survived without her care, love, and attention, proved to be more rewarding than we expected.
 |
| Lois, holding one of the baby genets while standing next to Linda, one of Deidre’s new volunteers. |
As a repeat visit for Tom and me, we found ourselves reveling in the wonder of this extraordinary place, especially when we had an opportunity to share it with our friends.
 |
| Several peacocks are residing at the property. This particular bird was intent on making lots of noise and showing off. |
The following afternoon we headed to Lisa’s home in Marloth Park for a second visit to share the value and reward of rescuing the precious bushbabies with the same plan for eventual release into the wild once they are well and able to thrive on their own.
 |
| The peacock flew into a tree to make some serious noise to entice us with his majesty further. |
We shared some wine with Lisa and visited Deidre, who lives in Marloth Park, and heard wonderful stories about wildlife, rescues, and releases. It was, again for us, a significant and interesting visit.
 |
| Deidre is currently caring for six jackal pups which will eventually be released into Marloth Park to balance the ecosystem. |
We encourage anyone who loves wildlife to consider donating, even the smallest amount, to help support this worthy cause by visiting Wild & Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Facebook page, where amazing photos and information may be found.
 |
| What a view of the Crocodile River at this location, with many opportunities for wildlife sightings. |
From there, we began getting ready for Sunday night’s dinner party for eight, which included the four of us, Louise and Danie, and a couple to whom they’re renting the same house we rented five years ago, Rita and Gerhardt, who are from the USA and Germany.
 |
| There were two tortoises at the facility who’d also been rescued and rehabilitated. |
Much to our delight, Rita and Gerhardt had found out about Marloth Park from our website, which they began reading a few years ago. When they saw our endless posts of how much we love it here, they decided to come for a three-week stay.
 |
| The next day we visited Lisa at her home in Marloth Park, where, as a volunteer with Wild & Free, she rescues and releases bushbabies. Such dedication. |
They contacted Louise from references on our site and eventually rented the house we’d enjoy so many years ago. As we had at the time, they’re seeing plenty of visitors in the equally conducive environment.
It was fun talking to Rita and Gerhardt about their travel lifestyle through Europe with their vehicle, the equivalent of a very sophisticated motorhome. They have a home in the US in Oregon, where they often travel a lot as well.
 |
| The bushbabies live in a bushbaby villa in Lisa’s closet in her bedroom. Nocturnal, the bushbabies can now go out into the wild at night through her open bedroom window, and they experience life on their own. |
The food worked out well when we’d made a pumpkin soup, low-carb chicken pot pie, broccoli salad, lettuce salad, and ice cream bars for dessert. Rita is also gluten and lactose-free, so the meal worked well for her.
 |
| Lois, holding a newborn bushbaby Lisa had recently rescued. All the bushbabies will eventually be released except for one named “Special Needs,” who has brain damage from hitting his head on a ceiling fan when kept as a pet. Lisa’s cared for him for the past few years and will continue to do so when he isn’t able to make it on his own in the wild. |
As soon as we’ve uploaded today’s post, we’re off for a drive in Marloth Park to hopefully spot more of Mother Nature’s wonders, ending with a stop at the local market for a few items for meals for the next few days.
Tonight, we’ll dine out at yet another local restaurant as we strive to provide Tom and Lois with a wide range of experiences in Marloth Park.
We’ll be back with more tomorrow.
Photo from one year ago today, October 22, 2017:
 |
| Close up of an iguana face at Zoo Ave in Costa Rica, a rescue facility. For more photos, please click here. |