Feeders are true leaders

 

Feeding at midnight

COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all the seven continents of the world. Each nation is struggling, in their own way, to fight against the deadly disease. Corona prevention protocols have been adopted by human population in order to prevent the spread the infection. Vaccines have been developed by the scientists to control the pandemic. Meanwhile, the virus is undergoing mutation and attacking human with vengeance.

Feeding irrespective of rain or shine

People are wearing masks, some even using double masks while venturing outside. Hand-wash and sanitizer containers are flying off the shelves from the shops, like never before. Social distancing protocol is being considered as an ultimate weapon to rupture the chain of transmission of the lethal virus.

An array of strategies, ranging from Corona curfew to weekend lockdown to regional / state wise / national lockdown are being implemented to win over the latest invisible microscopic enemy of mankind. Non-essential businesses were suspended during lockdown period.

Feeding in deserted parks

People have been barred to cross over the Laxman Rekha of their homes unless it is emergency. Households have built a formidable inventory of ration and consumables to fight a war of different kind. Markets, shops, bar and restaurants, hotels have downed their shutters during such curfews and lockdowns.

Feeding in lonely streets

Blacky, Kalu, Lalu, Lisa, Lusi and for thousands of nameless street babies initially it was pure joy on traffic free streets. But the joy of trouble-free roaming on the road (without automobiles) soon got replaced by the pain of hunger of stomach. These Indies who merely survive on the throwaway scrap from roadside eateries and dhabas, were in dire straights. 'Stay at home' order for humans turned out to be 'starve on streets' for such less fortunate canines of streets. The leftovers from these restaurants and hotels, which they would scavenge for survival, were no longer available. They lost their main source of survival.

 

A helping hand for the hungry

Forget about food to eat, not even a drop of drinking water was available for many of them. The situation started in early Mar 2020 when the whole country went for first phase of lockdown. The lockdown was subsequently extended and lifted later. A year later, with the emergence of double muted version of the virus, the corona curfews and state wise lockdowns are still creating havoc for these street babies. They include stray dogs, moholla cats, ownerless cows and ox, donkeys, monkeys, horses, asses, birds etc, the list is endless.

Reports of starvation death for such voiceless creatures are pouring in from all over the country. Helpless hungry dogs eating their own poops, soils etc as their last resort to survive in this cruel world. Even then, many of them could not escape from the jaws of certain starvation and death. Finding of carcasses of the street dogs from different corners of the country became common with the progress of days.

Perturbed by the pathetic situation, some people decided to do something for them. Certainly, on this earth, there is also no dearth of good Samaritans. Several kind heart souls came forward to reduce the sufferings of these voiceless creatures. They continued to venture on the roads in the middle of pandemic induced lockdowns with dog-feed. Incidentally, animal lovers and activists who ventured outside for feeding the dogs of the locality, during lockdown period, faced a lot of objections from different corners.

In urban areas, in some housing societies, there was sharp division among residents - dog-feeder and animal haters. In many places it resulted into disturbing  acrimonious situations. It ranged from abusing,  physical assault to police cases. Each tried to interpret the restriction as per own convenience.

On 24 Mar, 2020 Hon’ble Maneka Gandhi (Member of Indian Parliament, animal rights activist, and environmentalist) tweeted "Any dog feeder can go to their district office in delhi and get a feeder pass. Please start today as only 50 passes are being given per district."

Inspiration for many

Animal Welfare Board of India was also kind enough to bring the act of feeding street dogs as an essential service.

This tweet from Maneka Gandhi emboldened the volunteers and gave some authority. Though the tweet was pertaining to capital Delhi, it had ripple effect all over the country. Dog feeders started contacting respective district head quarters for such kind of authorization to feed the hungry street dogs.

A sample Pass

Actions were seen on the ground. At several places, concerned authorities started issuing ‘Hotspot Feeding Passes’. Though it was grossly inadequate in terms of number of requests received from the volunteers, it was a game changers. Till such time, volunteers who were feeding dogs on the road would face objections from law and order implementing authorities.  With this special hotspot passes they continued the voluntary task of feeding those unfortunate streeties.

People from all strata of society came forward for this noble cause. People with such soft-heart ranged from Chief Minister of a state to renowned celebrities to common men/women, spread across the nook and cranny of the country.

A 14-day Coronavirus lockdown in the state of Odisha was imposed effective 05 May, 2021 till 19 May, 2021. On 09 May, 2021, Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Odisha sanctioned funds from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for feeding stray animals in all urban pockets during the lockdown.  

The official announcement was -

"The lockdown is now underway across the state to control the pandemic. Therefore, stray dogs and cattle are deprived of food... The CM has approved sanction of Rs 60 lakh from his relief fund."

The daily amount earmarked for distribution through Municipal Corporations (Rs. 20,000 X 5), Municipalities (Rs. 5000 X 48) and NAC - Notified Area Council (Rs. 2000 X 61) are for feeding of stray dogs, cattle and birds as well.

However, since the administrative bodies may not have that kind of expertise or manpower to execute the work, it would ultimately rest on the shoulders of foot soldiers. The feeders would take the responsibility of ensuring that the feed reaches the mouths of those hungry creatures.

The size of the problem is gigantic in scale. Street dogs are suffering all over the country. There are several critical issues to feed them. Namely, the non-availability of volunteers in any particular locality zone or locality, lack of transport, fund crunch etc. However, there is a say ‘when there is will, there is a way’. This proverb was proved correct once again in this challenging time.

Dog lovers started networking through Whatsapp group. The existing Whatsapp groups are strengthen further with inclusion of more like minded persons. The demography of the groups is diverse. It ranged from housewives to office goers (working from home), college/University students and it is gender neutral. Every animal lover voluntarily shouldered the responsibility of feeding starving street dogs in their respective locality.

In some areas, where multi-storied residential complexes were sealed due to detected COVID-19 cases, volunteers from nearby areas would come in their own transport and carload of food for the street dogs. One dog feeder group would communicate and coordinate with other groups through whatsapp.

The feeding location would be some sort of battlefield. Every hungry dog would try to have his/her share first. Commotion and dogfight would ensued.  But the volunteers were skilled and experienced enough to handle those situations. With loads of love and strict discipline they would ensure that everyone would get some bite, till the next feed was made available.

The present situation is far from normal. There is urgent need to have a strong network, pan India basis, with adequate cash flow for taking care of the street dogs. The efforts being made by the feeders are appreciated but it is necessary to strengthen it with both financial support and spreading awareness among people. If every family of a locality can spare a few rotis daily, it will be a life savior for many street dogs. We can not expect many families to go for feeding but they can provide the support in various forms. The feeding part will be taken care by the feeders but a network is needed to collect the rotis and rations from the willing households. The present process of individual contribution and fund raising is  grossly inadequate, given the enormous size of the problem. Feeders will take the lead roles but an overall social awareness needs to be created for these street dogs. After all, at the end of the war of Mahabharata, when Yudhistir went to heaven, none but a faithful dog accompanied him all the way. This fight against COVID-19 is no less than epic war of Kurukshetra. Who knows that very street dog whom we would feed today, may be our guide in our journey to eternity.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. This is only for the sharing of knowledge of Philately with philatelist fraternity. No commercial angle, whatsoever, is involved. Under no circumstances I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.

This story was published in popular 'Buddy Life' Magazine (Volume 7, Issue 1, Oct - Dec 2021). Here are the related scanned pages:-

Cover page

Page 1 of 3

Page 2 of 3

Page 3 of 3

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A Forest Bound Daughter (Part II)

 

I can handle my drink

Prelude:

The story of our adopted daughter - Kamok, is being presented in two parts. First part has dealt about her journey from forest to nursery and settling down with her keepers. This second part unfolds about her preparation for reverse journey i.e. from nursery to forest and forever. However, in this Part II, playmates (in photos) of Kamok have been featured. May like to read on.

With my human parent

3.0 Jumpcut:

I, along with other visitors converged at an open ground midst of the forest. A small area in circular form was demarcated with ropes for the babies to arrive. The ground was slushy and muddy. The red soil was wet due to intermittent rain. An official from the trust provided me an umbrella. For me it was a dilemma whether to hold the umbrella or camera?

Ground was wet and slippery

There was a small ditch full of water at the center. 

Water and feed

At some places heaps of sands were there. Fresh twigs and leafy branches of trees were scattered here and there. 

Enough to munch

Another object which drew our notice was giant feeding bottles with big red colored long nipples filled with milk. 

Give me my drink

They were placed on the ground at different strategic places. With bated breath all the visitors waited for their arrival.

Arrival of stars

I was told by the officials of the trust that Kamok was the youngest female calf in the nursery. Immediately I confirmed them that we would like to foster her as our daughter and the formalities would be done after the program was over.

It's my time

Soon elephant babies started arriving from stockades in batches. Seniors were first to arrive and were followed by the little ones. They all rushed for the feeding bottles of milk. They were helped by the keepers wearing green color overalls. Nearly thirty orphaned elephant babies, of different age, entered into the arena.

Keeper with babies

Little ones needed more help as they were yet to master the skill of holding those bottles with their tiny trunk. Keepers helped them by holding the giant feeding bottle upside down into their mouths. 

However, little grownups were skillful enough in holding the bottles just upright.

Happily 'drunk'

They gulped the milk and a few of them chased the keepers asking for more milk. It was a heavenly scene to watch.

Human parent

While the drinking session was on, very small and cute two babies, accompanied by their keepers, wrapped in bright red and black blankets arrived last. The man in green overall, with a portable mike hanging on his shoulder, announced that one of them was Kamok, the youngest baby. She was incredibly small in size, compared to other baby elephants. She followed her keeper very closely, oblivious of the present audience who were admiring her.

Fight for fun

After they drank milk, it was the time for them to play. They chewed the leaves from the twigs strewn around, played with mud and water. Male calves got into mock fights with others. Boys will be boys! 

Mud bath

It was indeed an extraordinary feeling to watch so many elephant babies playing at one place.

Enjoying mud bath

It continued for nearly one hour.

Mud bath - full enjoyment

Once the clock struck 12 noon they left for their stockades in batches with their keepers, like they had arrived. 

Leaving for stockades

Gradually all of them vanished behind the green curtain of the forest leaving empty milk bottles scattered all over the place.

Vanishing step

At the end of the show, spectators left for the main gate and I went to the office of David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. There, I completed formalities for fostering Kamok. The process was simple and quick. The required forms were filled in and annual fee was paid for fostering. We became foster parents for Kamok. A certificate, in this regard was issued separately.

As we could not bring our fostered daughter Kamok back home to India, we left her with her keepers, as per procedure, who are experts in handling such children. She would remain at the nursery and gradually get ready for reintegration with wildlife at appropriate time.

The objective of David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was not to domesticate the orphaned elephant babies but to rear them in such a fashion that in due course of time they could go back to the wilderness. This process of integration of orphaned traumatized babies back to wildlife was a very tedious and time consuming one. Average time frame for reintegration of a baby with normal wild life was ten years. However, the time scale varies depending upon several factors viz. the age and stage at which the baby was orphaned, their abilities to manage themselves without human keepers, willingness to lead independent lives etc.  

Till such time they live at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, all expenses were borne by the trust. Large funds were required to meet all kinds of expenditures – food, medicines, rescue, accommodation, transport etc. Donations raised through the way of fostering the kids were utilized in this noble cause. Angela, daughter of Daphne had introduced this unique concept of fund raining through liberal fostering scheme. Minimum contribution was US $ 50.00 per annum and there was no upper limit. One person could foster more than one baby. Also, several persons could foster an individual child. Like me, there were several others parents across the globe fostering Kamok simultaneously.

4.0 Fast forward:

On 7th September 2016, Kamok became three years old, fit and fine. She has grown naughty as well. It was the right time that she would leave the nursery for two reasons. Firstly, she would prepare herself for next stage towards reintegration in the wildlife and secondly, to create space at the nursery to accommodate newer orphans.

So, the decision was taken that Kamok would be relocated to Ithumba Relocation Unit of Tsavo East National Park. Accordingly, December was chosen as the ideal time for her relocation. In the month of December, monsoon would recede from Kenya leaving behind the Tsavo forest covered with green foliage. Waterholes would be full up the brim and rivers overflowing with water. Thus, there would be plenty availability of food and water for relocated elephant babies.

Accordingly, on 28th December, 2016 Kamok along with two other orphan babies Roi and Oltaiyoni were woken up at 3 am at their stockades. They were given mild sedatives, as preparation for tension free ensuing journey. All of them were loaded in a specially designed truck along with their keepers and were sent off to Ithumba Relocation Unit. The journey commenced in the darkness of night and by 10:30 am they were at the destination. Interestingly, they were received by Dr. Daphne, accompanied by Angela, Robert, Taru and Roan.  

Today, nearly five years have passed, since her arrival to Ithumba Relocation unit. She has accepted her new abode and has mingled well with other orphans who have arrived prior to her. Her daily routine involved going to the forest area and browse with other elephant babies - Siangiki, Enkikwe, Barsilinga, Sirimon, Lemoyian to name a few. She still remained fond of milk bottles and mud bath as well.

From reintegration center, one day Kamok would join the elephant community of the Tsavo National Park. As a foster parent, we pray to God that she should go back to the wild, as early as possible, where she belongs. We dream for a day when adult Kamok would embrace motherhood in the forest and would visit the reintegration center to show off her baby girl to her human keepers as was done by many orphaned elephants in the past.

 

Webliography:

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/orphan_profile.asp?N=299

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/fostering.asp

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/updates/updates.asp?Rhino=&ID=985

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/9100415/The-woman-who-fosters-elephants-in-Kenya.html

 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. This is only for the sharing of knowledge of Philately with philatelist fraternity. No commercial angle, whatsoever, is involved. Under no circumstances I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.