PROGRESS

December 07, 2008

I can't believe how much the lions have calmed down from the start of the project until now. My number one goal for these cats while I have been here has been to help them start to trust people a little more and I have to say, they are getting much better.

I don't have to think too far back to remember these lions charging every ten seconds. When they weren't charging, they were running into bushes and up koppies. All of their behavior was wrong for the tourism that Erindi needs to support their wild space. Yesterday I watched three game vehicles drive up to Cleo, Whinny and all the cubs. All the tourists were overwhelmed with all the pictures they could take as the pride just sat around and ignored their presence. A calm lion who isn't concerned by the effects of human encroachment. That's what I call a wild lion.

I'm sure a lot of people who don't quite understand the state of our planet right now would suggest that game reserves like Erindi are not "wild" because it has a fence. The truth of it is that the really wild spaces of this planet right now are fenced off from people and managed for wild animals, just like Erindi. The fact that the lions' behavior is now starting to become unaffected by the presence of tourism is real evidence that these lions are now living wild. The less the lions are impacted by humans, the more wild they can be.

There were many times through this project that I wondered what I was doing here. I was risking my life interacting with lions who didn't even want me around. The whole time I kept telling myself that If they could tolerate me and learn what I am teaching them, they would be better off. It was my attempt at tough love. I am comfortable telling you that I had some selfish goals motivating me at times. I had personal things I needed to work out about myself that I needed the lions for. It was my passion that drove me to walk with them and sleep in their territory - not the lions.

Now that I am leaving and these lions, who are much calmer and happier in their surroundings than they were before, have started to trust humans, I can leave with a clear conscience.

Comments

[scott quach]

mingquach@yahoo.com >>>> Dave,you need to look at the big picture! Do you realize your ignorance is endangering lions? While you are filming this tastless show of yours, you are never in "real" danger are you? Try being out there with lions ALONE! Now, thats a film worth watching! What you are doing is playing games with lions for t.v. which will and maybe already has gotten lions killed. I know a little about film making, editing, cut scenes, bloopers etc, You only show what you want the people to see.How many times were you almost cat-chow, and they had to shoot the lion? not with the camera? my advise to you, leave the LIONS ALONE!You can't control nature, Who do you think you are? I no longer watch Animal Planet because of your selfish actions and stupidity. From Tacoma Washington ...Scott

[scott quach]

Dave,you need to look at the big picture! Do you realize your ignorance is endangering lions? While you are filming this tastless show of yours, you are never in "real" danger are you? Try being out there with lions ALONE! Now, thats a film worth watching! What you are doing is playing games with lions for t.v. which will and maybe already has gotten lions killed. I know a little about film making, editing, cut scenes, bloopers etc, You only show what you want the people to see.How many times were you almost cat-chow, and they had to shoot the lion? not with the camera? my advise to you, leave the LIONS ALONE!You can't control nature, Who do you think you are? I no longer watch Animal Planet because of your selfish actions and stupidity. From Tacoma Washington ...Scott

[Tina Barker]

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Below is based on the true story…

Toto is Black Pomeranian.
Toto spilled out an untold story which shocks everyone….
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Full story – http://www.mrsdolito.com/consultation-story/totofate.html

Below is based on the true story…

Journey is Labrador Retriever and a seeing-eye dog.
This consultation was held on one of the popular TV programs in Taiwan.
The host interviewed Mrs. Dolito, Journey, Journey's owner, Journey's trainer, and a lady, who is from seeing-eye dog association in Taiwan.
……
“Last year, a car ran into Journey and I while we were crossing the street on intersection. All of sudden, Journey jumped on me to cover my body, then... she got hit by the car instead of me,” the owner went on. “I touched her body...she was bleeding all over and fell on the floor... I only got a little bruise on my hands. I worried about her so much during that time...the driver drove away immediately, didn't even stop"

Full story – http://www.mrsdolito.com/consultation-story/journeyseeingeye.html

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[Priscila]

Dave that's so good your time in Erinde was good for the lions, I think you have much exit that they had lived happier and tranquillity in their enviroment and they had more confidemce to the humans.