Thursday, September 6, 2012
As I head to Africa, here are some 'interesting comments' as I told friends and colleagues where I am headed --- to see the mountain gorillas, no cages, no bars between us....getting up close and personal on the mountains of Rwanda.And the reactions, in some cases, as I said, 'interesting.'
I will blog about the real experiences once I arrive. Here's what folks had to say:
"I know a veterinarian friend who died climbing up to see the gorillas. He had a heart attack. I hope you live."
"Really, you are going to Rwanda to see the Fossey groups which she habituated? I lived across the hall from Dian many years ago. Dian would have loved that her gorillas are still there, and that poaching may not be as much of an issue at least where tourists are."
"Gorillas in Africa? Go to the zoo - take the bus, less expensive than flying halfway across the world."
"Ok - when you see a gorilla - what will you say? Knowing you, you whip out a microphone and conduct an interview."
"It's a good thing you're going because I know wildlife is disappearing - see it while you can."
"Very cool to support the <em>Mountain Gorilla Project</em>."
"You're always writing about flea protection - Do gorillas have fleas?"
"Are you going to help stray cats in Africa?"
"I wonder which species are doing well or not, I've heard the African Wild Dog are actually getting rabies - not only a potential human health issue, but obviously detrimental to the species."
"If you return from Africa beating your chest and eating bananas, I might wonder just how close you got to the gorillas?"
