Author: Steve McCurrach, GM of The Bateleurs
Sunday 8th September's Bateleurs mission had a very special outcome, along with an upliftment in my faith for human kindness, whilst revealing the irrepressible drive of conservationists - whether they be professionals, pilots or supporters. Ungulungu's long trip home to the Kalahari was our collective mission on Sunday.
We/The Bateleurs have in this year transported mature lions, whole batches of tortoises, ground hornbills, rhino eggs, vultures, pangolins and the list goes on - so why then would this mission stand out for me - ahead of the 'major' flights done for the critical and/or 'in vogue' species?
It was the people and not the animals, or the Mission, which made this special. Each person brought a willingness not seen in other walks of life. Top of this list, as always will be our pilots, with no less than four members all volunteering, despite there being no possibility of any reimbursement, Robin Buchan, Batie Hogewind, Neil Bowden and Kaptein Karl Jensen. Also our Applicant and dispatcher of the meerkat, Carina of Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation who was 'Ms. Efficiency' personified. Then we had the quandary of the long leg to the N Kalahari and I have never been more uplifted by a single phone call before - this was to Desmond Knoetzer at Fireblade Aviation, who could not be more accommodating and helpful if he tried. Cathy Strydom at Execuject Lanseria and then pilot Albie Mouton who bent over backwards in accommodating this mission. Albie's voice notes and GPS tracking of the unfolding flight were all delightful.
Absolutely amazingly, Karl arrives home from his personally very expensive service to The Bats and also to conservation and he says "Steve, what a honour to have taken part in Ungulungu's carriage...……. I have shed so many happy tears in the previous 24hours. It was an absolutely wild success. I am staggered by the concern of all who were involved, including ATC."
Passion and people like this cannot be bought - they are simply priceless and you are all applauded and appreciated, with sincerest of thanks.
Never before has more fuss been made around a mere-kat (LOL), but let us look past that and see this as a display of the drive which urges The Bateleurs to serve as they do, with a willingness and a 'force readiness' exceeding that of our SA...… and an inspiring passion. Long may this institution survive. 🫡
Video Caption:
He is introduced into a smaller enclosure first. And once settled he will be moved to a bigger enclosure and then finally to the veld. From the day he enters the program until he is completely wild and self-sufficient takes about 2 years in which time the team only leave his side once he and his mob are completely self-sufficient and not interested in anything they do for them anymore; like putting out food.
Report from our Applicant for this mission, Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation:
Big moves for Little Meerkat:
When two caring conservation organizations join forces, magic happens.
A little one-year old meerkat (stokstert/graatjies meerkat in Afrikaans), named Ungulungu (Meerkat in Zulu), was recently rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade by Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organization running a Wildlife Rescue, Clinic & Rehabilitation Centre in Limpopo. Meerkats are social animals and need a lot of care to be properly rehabilitated, and the decision was made to send Ungulungu home to the Kalahari, to a specialist meerkat rehabilitation facility.
Non-profit conservation organization, The Bateleurs, immediately agreed to arrange the flights of the precious cargo. Because meerkats do not carry any special protection and are not regarded as endangered, the call was put out for Bateleur pilots to volunteer for the flights at their own cost. The South African rock star pilot of aviation, Karl Jensen, immediately put up his hand.
The air was smooth as silk, on the bright Spring morning when Karl's beautiful vintage Cessna 185 landed on a private airfield near Roedtan, Limpopo, to collect Ungulungu.
Nestled in his travel crate, complete with boarding pass, passenger ID, hot water bottle and his favourite soft toy, Ungulungu boarded the plane for the first leg of his flight back to freedom, landing at Lanseria for the onwards flight.
Ungulungu then stepped into the lap of luxury, boarding a Fireblade Aviation flight to Tswalu Game Reserve, where Ungulungu was handed over to Solid Earth Meerkat Rehabilitation for further care and rewilding.
Karl has flown over 20 missions for The Bateleurs, and it is his passion to help conservation where he can. He has a specific love for Meerkats, and this mission delighted him.
Paul Oxton, Founder/CEO of Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation said that every animal life matters, because every animal has a part to play in a balanced ecology. Meerkats belong in the Kalahari; they are not pets, Oxton said. As an established Wildlife Conservation Organization, WHWF will always do their very best to make sure that every wild animal gets the help it needs, and the care to become free and wild once again. The cost of this rescue and care was worth it for the chance to see the little Meerkat living his best life one day, he added.
Steve McCurrach, Director of The Bateleurs mentioned that it is heart-warming to see the care that goes into saving the life of a single animal, and that The Bateleurs will always assist wherever possible to further conservation initiatives. He said: "The Bateleurs are not the conservationists; we are the providers of aviation support for conservationists and environmentalists in South Africa. Our 200+ pilots give of their time and their aircraft freely, providing a vital service. It's no surprize that caring conservation organizations are in love with The Bateleurs. As was the case with Ungulungu, our dedication and commitment shines through."
"Meerkats get a raw deal because of their cuteness. The wild populations are decimated by the illegal pet trade. Being social animals, they become incredibly stressed when not with a mob, and can start self-mutilating - biting their own tails or feet off. It was imperative that we got Ungulungu with his own kind asap, to give him the best opportunity at a free and wild life", said Carina Crayton (Co-Founder Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation).
The passenger coped well with flying, and is now on his way to the next stage of his life.
Before you purchase that wild animal as a pet, please remember how much it takes to get them back where they belong. It is illegal to own a Meerkat without a permit in South Africa.
* Both Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation and The Bateleurs are Non-Profit Organizations, and can provide tax certificates to donors. Please support their excellent wildlife conservation work.
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Kind Regards
Carina Crayton
Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation
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