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PAW PRINTS

The Voice of Fellow Earthlings' Wildlife Center
Winter 2016

 

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention”

Oscar Wilde

 

As animal lovers, many of you may know this story:

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and gently put it back into the sea.

A man approached her and asked, “Little girl, what are you doing? You can’t save all of the starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference.”

The girl was crushed. But, after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish and took it to the safety of the sea. Then, she looked up at the man and said, “Well, I made a difference to THAT one!”

BLACK MARKET MEERKATS

Earlier this year we were contacted by a woman named “Kathy,” who is married to a soldier stationed on Okinawa. “Kathy” told us that a young, male meerkat had been kept, all alone, in a small fish tank for two years in an Okinawa pet arcade. She also told us that a female meerkat had previously died under the care of the pet arcade. The arcade is open every day of the week from early in the morning until late at night. So, the meerkat was subjected to non-stop, loud music, glaring lights, and people teasing him by banging on his glass prison.

“Ubuntu” all alone in his glass prison on Okinawa.
Photo credit: Gail Iwata

 


“Ubuntu” without companionship, dirt to burrow in, sunshine to bask in,
or a proper diet to sustain him.
Photo credit: Gail Iwata

Two years in a small, glass fish tank.
Photo credit: Gail Iwata

Of course, we were terribly distressed to hear of this meerkat’s cruel and abusive situation and we wanted to help. However, we needed “Kathy” to be our “boots on the ground” person on Okinawa.

We told “Kathy” that we had recently rescued a meerkat from the Black Market pet trade in Kuwait and we knew that we could be successful in rescuing the meerkat on Okinawa, but we needed her help. We told her the project of rescuing him would be frustrating, time-consuming, and arduous. We wanted her to know that the rescue would not be easy. However, our jaws dropped when she sent us an email and declined to help.  

We immediately emailed “Kathy” and asked if she could put us in touch with someone on Okinawa who might be willing to help. “Kathy” emailed us the name of a woman called Gail Iwata.

In an excerpted email dated June 9, 2016 Gail wrote this to us:

“Kathy” forwarded me your email in response to the meerkat at the pet arcade on Okinawa and asked if I would be willing to take on the task of saving the meerkat.

I am a South African currently residing on Okinawa with my husband. After reading your response to “Kathy,” I must admit that I am terrified that I am not up to the task of seeing this through and I’m very hesitant to start for fear of wasting your valuable time and resources. That being said, I also believe in the inspirational story about saving the starfish  – The man asked the little girl, “Why are you doing this? You can’t save all of the starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference.” The little girl replied, “Well, I made a difference to THAT one.”

I find myself quite torn. In all honesty, I have tried to ignore the meerkat and his terrible existence.”

Regards,

Gail Iwata

We at Fellow Earthlings truly believe in kismet and divine coincidences! Just the night before receiving Gail’s email, our director, Pam Bennett-Wallberg, told her husband, Ron Martin, the same Starfish Story.

Pam emailed Gail and told her about the coincidence of the Starfish Story and that’s the moment Gail became our Angel on Okinawa.

For many months Gail worked tirelessly and patiently to save the meerkat in the fish tank. She experienced thousands of dead-ends, delays, and had to jump through a score of bureaucratic hoops. Additionally, the language and the cultural differences added significantly to the complexity of the project which we aptly named OPERATION STARFISH.

Gail organized a fund-raiser to buy the meerkat and even obtained a promise from the pet arcade owner to never again sell meerkats. She contacted Lufthansa Airlines and asked if they would be willing to provide transportation for the meerkat. Although Lufthansa does not fly to Okinawa, the airline graciously paid for the meerkat’s transportation on ANA (All Nippon Airways.) We send heart-felt thanks to Lufthansa Airlines for their kindness and generosity.

While Gail worked on Okinawa to free the meerkat, we at Fellow Earthlings’ Wildlife Center filled out more mountains of paperwork to obtain another Import Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We paid for the costs of the licenses, permits, and insurance. Additionally, we re-hired the same Animal Broker, Christopher Reeves, and the same Custom’s Broker, Sal Kalman, who helped us with the rescue of the meerkat in Kuwait. We provided Gail with information that the government officials needed on Okinawa, emailed photos of the appropriate shipping crate and shipping labels, provided details regarding the meerkat’s diet and care during transportation, and provided Veterinarian Inspection forms that had to be used in Japan.

Our Operations Manager, Ron Martin, built another “state of the art” den box to accommodate the Okinawa meerkat, refurbished the needed enclosures, and installed a commercial heating pad for the new den. Additionally, new outdoor heat lamps were installed for the meerkat’s comfort and safety.

OPERATION STARFISH was truly an international effort: Gail Iwata on Okinawa, Japan; Ron Martin in Morongo Valley, California; Christopher Reeves in Grapevine, Texas; Sal Kalman in Los Angeles, California; and Pam Bennett-Wallberg in southern Africa (guiding tours to benefit the meerkats at Fellow Earthlings).

In honor of Gail’s heroic efforts on Okinawa, we asked her to name the meerkat she helped rescue (formerly named “Leeloo”). She re-named the meerkat “Ubuntu.” Gail said, “I think the word “Ubuntu” truly reflects the energy around this project and has brought many people together with compassionate thought.”

Desmond Tutu, Nobel Prize awardee, South African social rights activist, and Anglican bishop, stated this: “Bringing people together is what I call 'Ubuntu,' which means WE are. Far too often people think of themselves just as individuals, separated from one another, whereas we are connected and what we do affects the whole world. When we do it well, it spreads out.”

On the successful conclusion of PROJECT STARFISH, Gail sent a touching email to us at Fellow Earthlings. She wrote, “Thank you for your constant motivation and heartfelt words. Many times, I have been in the position 'Kathy' was in; feeling angered by the mindless cruelty to animals and people’s stupidity. And, yet, I never stepped up and took action. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I have been a small part of this project and, at least, one solitary, abused meerkat will find his place in the sun.”

With Starfish Blessings, Gail

Thanks to the angelic efforts of Gail, Ron, Pam, Christopher, Sal, and Lufthansa Airlines, “Ubuntu” is now able to enjoy sunshine to bask in, dirt to burrow in, a proper diet, lots of “creature comforts,” and the companionship of other meerkats.

Gail Iwata with “Ubuntu” in Japan.

 


At Fellow Earthlings’ Meerkat Sanctuary, “Ubuntu” can now enjoy
all of the things he was previously deprived of.
Photo credit: Ron Martin

 

“Ubuntu” soaking up the sun.
Photo credit: Pam Bennett-Wallberg

 


That can’t be the last worm!!
Photo credit: Pam Bennett-Wallberg

 

UPDATE ON “HAKUNA,” THE MEERKAT FROM KUWAIT

In our previous newsletter we shared the dramatic story of “Hakuna’s” rescue from Kuwait and his journey to Fellow Earthlings’ Wildlife Center.

We are very pleased to tell you that “Hakuna” is now healthy, happy, curious, mischievous, and enjoying life with his new family of meerkats. Additionally, he is now regularly enjoying our donors, crawling on their laps, taking treats from their hands, and delighting everyone with his charming antics.  

Hakuna sunbathing with his new family.
Photo credit: Pam Bennett-Wallberg

 

EVEN MORE MEERKATS

Recently, Happy Hollow Zoo in San Jose, California, asked if we would be willing to give a “forever home” to two of their meerkats named “Nane” and “Tano.” We said, “YES!”

One of our long-time and very generous donors, Dave Delgado, suggested that the meerkats be transported to Fellow Earthlings in his cargo pants. As you might guess, Dave is a huge meerkat fan.

Photo credit: Angela Delgado

After careful consideration, we decided that a more conventional form of transportation would be best. Thus, Kelley Walsh, from the Happy Hollow Zoo drove the meerkats to their new home in Morongo Valley, California.

Pam Bennett-Wallberg (left) and Kelley Walsh.
Photo credit: Ron Martin

“Nane” and “Tano” are enchanting in all regards and we are delighted that they are now treasured members of our “mob.”

“Nane” and “Tano”
Photo credit: Pam Bennett-Wallberg

 

CARING FOR MEERKATS

We are honored to have been caregivers for these endearing, engaging, and intelligent creatures for almost 30 years. Surprisingly, meerkats are extremely expensive to properly care for. It is not only the special Kalahari diet, veterinarian care (hugely costly for this species), electricity, enclosures, and toys, but it is also the very high cost of the annual renewal of our licenses and permits from California Fish and Game, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Detrimental Species license, and the federal Import Permits. Additionally, our insurance to protect the animals is another massive cost per year.

Without our donors, we would not be able to give these magical animals the stellar care they deserve. The meerkats rely on us and we, in turn, rely on you to remain by our side as we continue on the path of caring for meerkats in need. As many of you know, we do not have any paid staff, so 100% of all donations go exclusively to caring for the meerkats. We are infinitely grateful to those of you who love meerkats as much as we do and help us continue our work to provide exceptional care for these beloved creatures.

We hope you would like to be part of our ongoing endeavor by making a donation to help cover the significant costs of rescuing “Hakuna” and “Ubuntu.” And, to provide a lifelong home to “Nane” and “Tano” in addition to all of the other meerkats who call Fellow Earthlings’ Wildlife Center their “forever” home.
 

 

AMAZON DONATIONS BENEFIT THE MEERKATS

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your purchase to Fellow Earthlings at no cost to you. Here’s how it works:

 

AFRICAN TOURS THAT ALSO BENEFIT THE MEERKATS

The African photo safari tours that Pam does with Dantes Liebenberg were fully booked for 2016. They were delighted to welcome Joy Robbe and Jan Shewmon back to Africa in April for their second tour. Also, Joy and Jan are returning for their third tour to Africa with Pam and Dantes in 2018.

Karen Brown was also welcomed back to Africa for her third tour with Dantes and Pam. Additionally; Karen will join Joy and Jan in Africa in 2018.

Kristin and Rob Wilson returned to Africa in September 2016 for their second tour with Pam and Dantes. Happily, they will be back on tour in Africa in 2019.

In October 2016, Pam and Dantes welcomed Leslie Cobb, Nancy Degenkolb, Susan Larkin, Kathy Speakman, Loretta Franklin, and Leslie Oakey, who (with the exception of Loretta),  were doing their first tour of Africa. 

A percentage of the cost of the African Tours is donated to the meerkats at Fellow Earthlings’ Wildlife Center. Big thanks go to our adventurous African travelers.
In April 2017, Pam and Dantes look forward to welcoming Dawn and Todd Perkins to Africa for their first tour. Their safari is followed by a third tour for Rosemary and Don Gardner. And, in October 2017, 6 more lovely clients will share the joy, thrill, and excitement of Africa with Pam and Dantes. And, more tours are being booked for 2018, 2019, and beyond.

Kristin and Rob Wilson at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Signs in Africa can be confusing!
Photo credit: Rob Wilson

Photo credit: Rob Wilson

(Left back): Pam Bennett-Wallberg, Dantes Liebenberg, Karen Brown, Jan Shewmon, and Joy Robbe enjoying Namibian nightlife.

Pam Bennett-Wallberg enjoying brunch. Sossusvlei, Namibia.
Photo credit: Karen Brown

Photo credit: Karen Brown

 

Pam Bennett-Wallberg (right), Jan Shewmon, Karen Brown, and Joy Robbe
at Hoba Meteorite in Namibia.
Photo credit: Dantes Liebenberg

 

A giraffe with a bone to pick.
Photo credit: Joy Robbe

 

Photo credit: Joy Robbe

Photo credit: Joy Robbe

 

Kathy Speakman (left rear), Susan Larkin, Leslie Cobb, Loretta Franklin,
Nancy Degenkolb, and Leslie Oakey in Upington, South Africa.

Bat-earred foxes. South Africa
Photo credit: Nancy Degenkolb

 

Nancy Degenkolb bungee jumping in South Africa from Bloukrans Bridge,
the highest bungee bridge in the world.
Photo credit: Leslie Cobb

 

PAM’S RECCE TOURS IN AFRICA

Every time Pam does tours in Africa for clients, she spends her personal time and money to do solo, recce tours of new areas that may be of interest to clients in the future. She wants to check out the areas personally before making recommendations to clients. Here are a few highlights from her most recent explorations. 

Pam Bennett-Wallberg with a vulture at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, South Africa.
Photo credit: Peter Moni

 

Pam Bennett-Wallberg with an elephant at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, South Africa.
Photo credit: Peter Moni

 

Pam Bennett-Wallberg on a whale watching boat in St. Lucia, South Africa
Photo credit: Peter Moni

 

Pam Bennett-Wallberg with a loggerhead turtle that is laying eggs near Kozi Bay, South Africa.
Photo credit: Peter Moni

 

Loggerhead turtle laying eggs near Kozi Bay, South Africa
Photo credit: Peter Moni

 

Recently, Pam had the distinct privilege of visiting The Satyagraha House (better known as the Gandhi House and Museum) in Johannesburg, South Africa. The word Satyagraha is a compound of two Sanskrit words: “Satya” meaning truth and “Agraha” meaning polite insistence. This powerful word became identified with non-violent resistance worldwide.    

 

“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Mahatma Gandhi

 

Respectfully submitted by Riaan Nel – Volunteer Communications Coordinator