Karanambu Trust meets at Karanambu!

For the very first time, the members of the Karanambu Trust held their meeting at Karanambu. There was great excitement in the air as we greeted Dr. Lucy when she arrived from the States.  Dr. Lucy Spelman is the Secretary of the Karanambu Trust, she is also an internationally renowned wildlife veterinarian, but most importantly, she is our very dear friend.  Lucy has been coming to Karanambu to help Diane with the wildlife for the last 15 years.

Diane & Dr. Lucy

Major General (retired) Joseph Singh, the Chairman of the Karanambu Trust arrived the day before the meeting. To many here, he is not only a role model, he is a hero. Rarely do you meet someone whose kindness matches his intelligence, whose commitment and work ethic set the bar for others to follow. We are so fortunate to have Joe leading our team!

Major General Joseph Singh addressing the communities

Sydney Allicock is the liaison for the local communities in the North Rupununi.  He is also the Chairman of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB). Sydney too is recognized as an extraordinary leader and example of true commitment and dedication to his community, his heritage and to a sustainable future.   He recently was named the 2010 Anthony Sabga Public and Civil Contributions laureate.

Sydney Allicock

The other distinguished members of the Karanambu Trust who were unable to attend in person, Dr. Godfrey Bourne, Father Malcolm Rodrigues, Patrick McTurk, Michael McTurk and Mary Stefanini joined us by skype. 

We began with a briefing to the local communities on the mission of the Karanambu Trust and the progress that has been made in the last 5 months since we arrived on site.

We discussed how to preserve and protect these beautiful Wetlands and the Savannah of the North Rupununi.  We called upon both the Elders and the Youth to work closely together.  Uncle Fred Allicock, one of the original pioneers in conservation in  the Rupununi, attended the meeting and spoke directly to the youth about the need to protect and care for the 125 square miles of Karanambu.

Diane & Uncle Fred

 We toured Salvador's Garden and very proudly showed off our produce!

Then we went on to the Volunteer Housing which is  being completed in preparation for the arrival of the Peace Corps Volunteers.

As we waved goodbye to our guests, 

we were energized, filled with  pride, enthusiasm 

and optimism; committed even more deeply to the preservation of the North Rupununi Wetlands, Savannahs and the Wildlife that live here.

2 Jabiru Storks on the Sandbank

Jabiru in Flight

 Our two orphaned Giant River Otters at play

Philip & Belle

And our very own Hero

DIANE

"The Best Cherisher of the Beloved Beasts"

 

Our Orphaned Giant River Otters

Karanambu has always been well known for its wildlife and spectacular fishing, and has always been a welcome rest stop for unexpected visitors.  Diane has also always offered refuge to injured or orphaned wildlife.  The animal that appeared most often was also one of the most endangered: the Giant River Otter.  By necessity, Diane has become a world expert on the care and rehabilitation of this species.  She has raised over 50 orphaned otter cubs, returning most of them to the wild for a chance at freedom.

Please click the Karanambu Trust  Logo Button to the right to learn more:

A year ago, when we arrived at Karanambu, Diane had two tiny baby otters.  They arrived about a week apart.  One, Belle, a female, was found in the river.  It appeared that her family left her behind when they moved from one holt (otter den) to the next.  The second one, Philip, a male, was brought to Diane…we are still unsure as to how and why he became orphaned.

 

At first, we had to skin and bone their fish and cut it up into little strips, so that they could easily chew and digest it.  We would carry them in our arms across the compound, because the laterite gravel was too hot in the sun for their little feet.  Diane would dig a hole in the sand and we would fill it with water so they could swim.  And always, always, she would dry their bellies so that they would not develop pneumonia.

As they got older, we started taking the babies down to the river for a daily swim.  First they were carried in a pet carrier, but because of the weight, the carrier was placed in a wheel barrel and wheeled to the river. They would play, jumping in and out of the river.  By the time they would get back to their pen, they would be exhausted.  Even though Belle and Philip are not siblings, because they are growing up together, they think they are.

We have two "Waterdog Cabatash", Jasper and Devern, who spend most of each day caring for the otters.  We also have two full time fisherman who must catch a sufficient amount of fish needed to calm the babies voracious appetites.  Red Belly Piranha are their favorite food!!

Soon they became more accustomed to the river and both Belle and Philip were able to go down to the riverbank both morning and afternoon for long stretches of time.  2-1/2 hours at a time.  The "Waterdog Cabatashes" would put pre-caught fish in the river so that Belle and Philip could find the fish and begin to learn to catch their own. 

Philip and Belle are both over 1 year now.  They have been nurtured and cared for and loved by Diane. They have had their bellies rubbed dry lovingly every day & every night.  They're growing fast and will grow to be well over 6 feet from tip of nose to tip of tail.  They are mischievous and on occasion very dangerous.  They have sharp, sharp teeth.   

We want the babies to continue to be afraid or cautious when it comes to boats and people.  It will give them a better chance to make it back in the wild.  I am keenly aware if this, but one day when I went down to the landing to see the guests off, I lost my focus ....as the boat pulled out, one of the otters came up behind me as I was waving good-bye, he took one hot bite out of the back of my ankle...blood everywhere.  I took off up the path in a mad rush, knowing I had only minutes before the pain would follow...Diane trailing behind me. I could hear her say "Oh, but it looks bad, Love."  I got back to the cabin and Salvador came to my rescue, together we cleaned it up, bandaged me good and I collapsed into the hammock to recover.

They are very cute...but do not be fooled by their cuddly appearance, they are  indeed WILD animals and can be very vicious if they feel threatened in any way or even just approached by a stranger. Caring for them is painstakingly hard work, but when they are successfully reintroduced to the wild it is most gratifing.  

In these most recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the numbers of the endangered Giant River Otters in the Rupununi River due to the efforts of Diane McTurk

Peace Corps comes to Karnamabu

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps to promote world peace and friendship.  The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the United States federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

Salvador, Diane and Dr. Lucy

Last August when Dr. Lucy visited Karanambu shortly after we arrived, we met with Jermaine Clark who is the Peace Corps Response Volunteer Coordinator.  Together with Jermaine’s guidance we discussed the possibilities for the Karanambu Trust to work with the Peace Corps to help the neighboring villages develop more self-sustaining skills. An example of which was the village of Kwaimatta who had been without the use of their solar panels because they did not have the technology to service them when they weren’t functioning properly.  Again, because Kwaimatta is located in such a remote area, it is very expensive and time consuming to have someone come in to service the equipment. Well actually getting here is time consuming, the fixing could be five minutes  when you know what you are doing.  If we could receive help in the form of solar training from the Peace Corps it would have a tremendous impact on the surrounding communities of Karanambu. The number one goal of the Peace Corps is:  "Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women."  These volunteers will provide exactly that, training which will  then provide a service which would produce income and also allow them to become more self sufficient.  This idea was met with great enthusiasm by the communities.  

Jermaine Clark discussing the possibilities with Toshao Clive of Kwaimatta

The second need we were able to identify was the need to dispose of the plastic, especially the bottles, ecologically and of course water purification. How can we turn the plastic bottles into fence posts which the wood ants [termites] won’t eat.  Again, we found the response to be very enthusiastic.  

Together we wrote the job description requests and put in the formal application.  Once the process began, we had our job to do.  The Karanambu Trust had to build new housing for the new volunteers! With the tremendous assistance of friends of the Trust, money was raised to build the new volunteer housing.  Salvador and the crew have been working to finish the building.

Jermaine brought Eric Duncan, the new administrative officer for the Peace Corps, to visit and check on our progress. 

Diane - Salvador - Jermaine - Eric

 It is very important that we comply with their specific requirements. So far, so good! He and Jermaine had a great visit!  And with fingers crossed and a lot of hard work, working together, we will make the deadline.

NEW STAFF HOUSING!!!

When we arrived at Karanambu in August, one of the very first projects that Salvador had in mind was new staff housing.  He wanted to improve the existing housing and add on a new house.  Salvador and Diane walked and talked and sketched and designed the placement of this new house.  Together, they dreamed a little and made plans for future projects too!  The next step was to meet with the Board of Directors.  THEN the building began and so did the excitement   The goal was to get it finished in time for Christmas! 

 Built in the same Karanambu style with bricks made and fired right here!

Harold arrived! Harold is a longtime worker and friend of Karanambu from the village of Massara who has helped Diane in the past build buildings at Karanambu!  The excitement continued to build…just as the house did.

Everyday you could see the progress!!!
And each day Christmas was getting closer!

We decided to have the staff party in the new Staff house!  

AND
1 - 2 - 3 the house was completed!

WE DID IT!
And it was such fun!  We hung Christmas lights, which Salvador and I had brought from the States. We gave out funny awards!
Diane’s read: “The Best Cherisher of the Beloved Beasts”
She promptly hung it up in the main house!
Everyone received one….one funnier than the next.  We exchanged Christmas presents and hugs and joy.
It was all Good Fun!

And we officially opened the New Staff Housing!

Just in time for CHRISTMAS!

"Let we go!" - Driving the Landrover

Driving in the Savannah is not for the weak at heart.  You need to be fearless and have a keen intuitive sense of the road.  Bumps, gullies, puddles, all with no sense of depth...laterite boulders poking out from the red Savannah road…understanding this road is a skill. The Landover is a 1955 Series I - in questionable condition - but fortunately Ryol knows every part and how to fix it, even when it doesn’t seem possible.  Ryol is also my driving instructor…finally.

I had gone to him and said that I want to drive the Landover…. oh but how he laughs….”No Mrs.…you don’t” I protest and I promise him that I have driven all over the world and then I beg…and he continues to laugh…then I get angry, ”Look Man, I drive in New York City, this can’t be any worse.”

A little while later he pulls up in front of me and says, “Ok then…let we go” I jump in and he begins to explain all of the pedals, buttons and the knobs. He drives me out onto the small airstrip and turns around and comes back and then he gets out and says, “Ok, come.”  I hop into the drivers seat. This vehicle is a BEAST!  You have to fight with the steering wheel and ride the pedals…and then there is the Savannah Road…. it is indescribable experience…but I refuse to let him see that I am panicked.

Next I am allowed to drive the guests to and from the big airstrip 3 miles away, with Ryol sitting by my side.  He is quiet. His hand out, palm down, moving it to the right or to the left to guide me over the road.  When we get back, I receive high praise, "You know Mrs., you drive this ting better than them boys.”

After a few weeks of practice, I’m feeling pretty confident.  Ryol comes to me and says, “We have too many guests. We have to take both Landovers.  You going drive one and me the other” and you know, I did.  Salvador was beaming as I drove off behind Ryol!

But the real test came a few weeks later when we went to Kwaimatta to give out the Christmas presents to the school children.  Many of our staff had come along with Diane, Salvador and myself.  When it was time for us to go home, Ryol says, “Come Mrs., show these people how you can drive”.  At first I tell him that he should drive.  After all it is 45 minutes to Karanambu AND I have never driven on these roads AND both Diane and Salvador are voting for Ryol to drive. ‘Come Come Mrs., “ I agree to drive out of Kwaimatta to the main road.  I do and everyone is cheering.  But when we get to the main road I stop, Ryol indicates with his hand to move forward, "Let we go” I go a little further, quite unsure of myself.  Di sitting next to me, Ryol next to her.  The back packed with staff and Salvador and small baby and two boys on top of the Landover.  These roads are foreign to me.  The bumps, the gullies are much more severe.  Ryol encourages me, Di says, “I think you are doing brilliantly Love,” There are many times that vehicle tilts as we go over a ridge and the girls scream…and I am terrified.” Go GO GO, accelerate!”” Ryol says. “This road, this is how you will learn”.  At one point we come to a swamp.  Ryol gets out and walks through to see the depth of the water.  He gets back and says “Put it in 4 wheel drive”.  I do and we go through it slowly…but we make it! 

When we finally get home, Diane says, “You know, that was very impressive.  I only closed my eyes once!”  I said, “ME TOO!” 

Caiman Got Waterdog!

From the Karanambu Trust Website:

"Diane has offered refuge to injured or orphaned wildlife.  Sadly, the animal that appeared most often was one of the most endangered: the Giant Otter.  By necessity, Diane became a world expert on the care and rehabilitation of this species.  She has raised over 40 orphaned otter cubs, returning most of them to the wild for a chance at freedom" 

"Waterdog" is the local name for the Giant River Otter. Currently, we have 2 one year old orphaned otter cubs at Karanambu.  

Martien came flying up the path from the river on his bicycle….
”Caiman Got Waterdog”.  So we all took off full speed for the river. Of course just when Diane was not here. I just kept thinking how am I going to tell Diane. When I got there the caiman had just let Philip go, and he was swimming back to the bank. I kept calling him and encouraging him. I could tell he was hurt and very tired. He dragged himself out the water and up the bank, dragging his back legs. He crawled under a bush and allowed me to sit right next to him and just pet him and calm him down and talk to him. Meanwhile the boys were trying to coax Belle out of the bush where she had taken off after the attack. 

The otters had been across the river and were swimming back over because they heard a boat coming. Philip was in front, Belle right behind. The caiman just came out of nowhere and snatched Philip. He went down with him, which is what they do in an effort to drown their victim. But I think Philip was biting him seriously and he came up with him three times. Meanwhile, Jasper who was at the river as their guard got into a boat and rowed over furiously and whacked the caiman in the head with the heavy wood paddle and the caiman loosed Philip.

Belle eating a Fish

We were able to talk to Dr Lucy on skype and take pictures of Philip's wound to send to her. She is a wildlife Vet and the secretary of the Karanambu Trust. But, how to get him up from the river was the next problem. He would not eat but after an hour or so of me talking and calming him down we were able to walk him up slowly. He was able, with much coaxing, to eat two pieces of fish so I was hopeful. I had a good look at his injury. One puncture just in front of the right back leg and some long scratches around the leg. The caiman had him by the back and not the head as he would have been finished. Lucy recommended baby aspirin. I stayed with him throughout and he was a real sweetheart. What a change from his normal biting vicious self.

He is starting to put his weight on the leg now and is moving around much better. Think he will have a limp for the rest of his life, but he is alive. This afternoon after no river for six days we took them down to the river and he was great. We went slow at his pace. He would not go too far out, but seems to be swimming good. Of course there were three caiman lurking on the other side of the river. Jasper said the big one looks like the same one. We stockpiled a set of large stones and had the boat at the ready. We are going to have to deal with the big one as he or she is very brazen.. Philip even caught a small fish, so it is looking good.. Phew that was a close one. Luckily the boats were there and not on a trip or I do not think it might have turned out as ok as it did.

City Girl, have you adjusted?

 

Guests at Karanambu frequently ask me the inevitable question, "Have you adjusted yet?  This must be such a change for you.  After all, you are such a city girl".   After 4 months I can laugh about it and honestly say, "I am getting there". I remember so clearly the very first guests that we successfully transferred from Karanambu by boat to Genip Landing. Salvador and I were elated!  We did it!  Everyone got where there were supposed to be and on time!  Yea, us! Right? 

WRONG!  Diane looked at our smiling faces and said, "But your hands are empty Love."  It took me a minute to understand.  You see, because we are so isolated at Karanambu, you must always take advantage of every trip in and every trip out to bring in supplies.  Even if you think you have everything...think again! No one ever comes into Karanambu without bringing, eggs, ice, fresh veggies, fruit. 

Although it is true, we do get our fish right out of the river...and our beef, is organic, home grown...and Salvador has planted a kitchen garden, and many of our vegetables and fruit do indeed come from that garden.  Even so, we are still so very grateful to our neighbors in Yupakari.  Every time we go there or they come here, they always make sure to provide whatever they have. BUT there are countless other things, like flour, sugar, rice, toilet paper, soap powder, cooking oil, etc. etc. etc., and all of these things must come all the way from Georgetown, and it's a process...

We have a very good friend, Gavin, who been of such tremendous support to us.  We send him our "wish list", he arranges to have all the items picked up and packed up and put on the big Intraserve Bus which leaves Georgetown at night and arrives in Annai the following morning.  The boxes are then dropped off in Annai with another very good friend, Colin, who takes those boxes by vehicle to Genip Landing where our boats are waiting to either pick up guests or drop them off.  We then pick up the supplies and take them by boat, 1-1/2 hours back to Karanambu.  

So in all honesty, the most difficult thing for me to adjust to (other than missing my daughters and my Mom) has been the inability to just run out to the store to pick up something for dinner.  You really have to plan everything. And most importantly, you don't dare run out of anything!!

The heat, the insects, the limited electricity...none of these things have been as big an adjustment as the logistics of it all!  But we are learning everyday, step by step, laughing all the way...we're getting there, thanks to the best teacher of them all, Diane!