Tragic news from Sheldrick Trust
 

On Friday, October 21st tragedy struck at the Sheldrick Trust. Patrick Dokata Mzee, one of the elephant keepers, was leading Shida, the baby rhino, out to meet the other keepers in Nairobi National Park. Shida stopped abruptly and Patrick walked back toward him trying to convince him to follow him. Unknowingly, Makosa, the six year old rhino now living free in the park was hiding behind a bush and charged Patrick and instanly killed him. KWS was called to protect the body until the authorities could get then. Makosa charged KWS also and ultimately had to be shot.

I have written Dr. Sheldrick to see if a fund will be set up to help Patrick's family. I haven't heard anything yet, but when I do I will let you all know.

For the complete story go to:

http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.or...ino=&ID=51

Jan

Jan:
This is really sad. Thank you for keeping us informed.

What sad news :(

How tragic. Thanks for letting us know, Jan.

That is very sad. I have been planning to go there on Friday of next week. I saw Makosa last year.... and Shida. I guess everyone who works like this puts their life at risk.

Very sad. I am looking through my photos to see if I have any of Patrick.

This is so sad. Patrick must have been as important as an elephant matriarch to his human family. And Shida has seen the deaths of two mothers.

I saw a rhino chasing hartebeests in Nairobi NP and I think it must have been Makosa. He was a successful reintegration and I believe that being a terror isn’t bad when you’re a black rhino. This just went so wrong.

This is so terrible.

But we have to remember - regardless the close contact that existed between these handlers (mothers) and the animals at Sheldrick, they are still just that animals - one just never knows. So sad!

I can confirm that they are setting up a fund for Patrick's family. I was up there yesterday and it's business as usual... although there was sadness when speaking to people away from the tourists and school children.

I'll probably head up there again next weekend. I've put some photos on my blog http://spaces.msn.com/members/simonru/

Can you give a link to that fund? Thanks

I haven't got a link but there are details of how to donate on the website.... and if you say I am sure they will allocate it.

I'm home now... and not planning a return trip until Sept next year.

SR

To anyone interesting in donating to the Patrick Fund or to the veterinary medicine that the Trust does:

http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.or.../help_usa.html

This will take you to the U.S Friends of Sheldrick Trust website. You can donate with your credit card. I would then followup with a note to [email protected] and let Steve know what your wishes are for the donation. The U.S. Trust will send you a receipt for tax purposes.

Jan

Thanks Jan