The Butterflies & Orchids event at the Wild Animal Park is winding down (the last day is Sunday, May 7). The Wgasa Bush Line Railway is closed through May 5 and the final phase of construction for the shortened Railway tour is nearly completed; it will open May 6. During this week, there are more up-close animal encounters and discovery stations set up for visitors to enjoy while the Railway is closed.

So much has been accomplished these past few months for the new Railway route. The Heart of Africa’s animals have been shifted around into new areas. A large new boma (see photo above) has been built for holding the animals when needed. New sod, sprinkler systems, a vast amount of hydro-seeding, and many large trees have been transplanted to enhance the exhibits. I am delighted to be a part of this group and being able to watch what they do has been a wonderful experience. Though few in number, their accomplishments are amazing.

There is still more tree placement scheduled for next week and I’m hoping to be able to lend a
hand. The equipment they use is really cool. It looks like a giant, four-sided spade that opens around the tree, sinks down around the roots, then lifts it up and out.

On another note entirely, I got to see the baby Indian rhino out for his morning romp (see video of the little guy here). Kicking and spinning, he raced around the nursery yard in the Park’s Nairobi Village with his companion ankole cattle calf. Too cute! I also got to see the two-day-old red river hog piglets. Now there’s some cuteness! One would fit into my cupped hands, if only I could be so lucky! So, that’s all for now. Come
check us out!

Deb Erickson-Morris works in the Plant Trader gift shop at the Wild Animal Park but is currently on loan in the Park’s Horticulture Department. Here’s a previous blog about her loan experience.

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