Reactions and response to the stopping of drives by Safari Television

[Peter Braat]

Please post any questions and comments in response to Will's blog on the stopping of drives here. We will monitor this areas and respond to them as best as we can. To read Will's blog please follow this link:

 

http://blog.wildearthsafari.tv/2011/07/safari-television-to-stop-ga...

[Sasparella]

Devastated.

[Fireflyrocks]

This news deeply saddens me because the most wonderful, educational production on the world web web is closing.

I realize the cost of the program and I wonder if something can be done to fund it by members and viewers.

The 'safari 'viewing 'family' is devastated over the news.

Liv Haasper

 

[Helen in PA]

I will really miss drives.  Thank you Marc, Tara, Seb, Hermann, Daniel, Becky, Craig, Siphiwe and anyone else I may have missed.  So sorry to see you go.  Good Luck in the future and know you have made a difference in our lives.  I'm sorry this dream didn't work Graham, but thanks for trying.

[ellen forson]

it is so hard for me to accept that it is over.  There has to be someone who feels the same way and has the means to form a committee to do what has to be done to raise the money to keep it on the web.  It's not as if it is a soap opera.  It is a learning experience along with entertainment for many of us.

Well, for what it is worth, I sent an appeal to Oprah Winfrey.  Who knows?

 

 

[Sasparella]

Pete why can't you consider charging for watching it, I'm sure that a lot would be willing to pay to see it.

[Sasparella]

Or how about approaching Richard Branson ? He does a lot of stuff in South Africa, and he's a good businessman, I'm sure he could make it work ?

[LostGirl]

So, is there nothing that we can do then?  And even more to the point, does WildEarth WANT us to do anything?  It is a shame to lose this gift, to waste an incredible opportunity to show the world what is the true Africa.  Shown by people who truly love Africa.  I only found it quite by accident.  Who can guess how many others out there would love to watch, but don't know about the safaris?

We could organize an e-mail campaign to ask for support, but from whom?  WE knows what it needs.  Just tell us and we'll give it our best.

 

[Sasparella]

Pete there is a discussion going on on the SC FB discussions board just in case you miss it.

[HappyLady]

 

  I am heartbroken.  One of the few sites I can enjoy without my hearing.  Everyone was so helpful if I did ask over and over...."what did they say?".   Just found the drives a few months ago and loved them.   Thanks so much for blessing us with the wonderful drives.  Gave me and millions of kids a chance to see wild animals live in their natural habitat that would never have seen them otherwise.  I am praying for a miracle to keep the drives on the air.  

[David Keen]

     I have always been impressed and inspired by the indomitable spirit that has been demonstrated by the people at WE, and especially the working crew at Djuma.  From the oft-occurring flat tires on the vehicles, to the devastating storms that created so much damage and "down time", they have always managed to ride out these situations, pull themselves up from the depths of futility and feelings of helplessness, and start all over again, rejuvenating their spirit of the bush and of Djuma itself  Sadly, recent developments may have dealt the final blow to their addictive zeal.  One from which they may not be able to "ride out", as it were.

 

     I have been associated with the saga of Djuma for quite some time - long enough to remember a gorgeous young leopard called Karula  trying to rein in in two lovely, exhuberant cubs named Saseka and Tingana, and the development of an eternal bond between Pieter and a wonderful ellie named Wonky, that eventually transcended time and space. These times, along with countless amazing drives that produced many breath-taking encounters with all the denizens of the bush, often capped with magnificent sunsets that only Mother Africa could have painted with her brush of many colors and moods.  These moments provided me with the inspiration that produced some 90-odd videos for all to watch, and hopefully enjoy.

 

  Now, an era has come to an end for me, nay, for all of us.   One of the few bright spots in this dark time is the possibilty of the bonds that have developed over the years among the "riders" of the drives will continue with the same fervor as before.

 

I will miss everyone at Djuma, especially those who have been there the longest.  I'll miss Marc's quiet reveries with the breeding herds of ellies as they roamed through the bush heading for a stay at  Gowrie Dam.  His whispered conversations with those gentle giants, from the majestic matriarchs, to the haughty teenagers, and down to the wee ones who  gave us so many endearing memories of their trying to be oh! so grown-up!  I'll always remember Tara's child-like glee and excitement whenevrer she came upon Karula and her small charges, and will hold dear the solid, sweet bond that deveoped in such a short time between her and those gorgeous creatures.   

 

     These are just a few of the treasures that I will hold in my heart forever, and,  as I will gaze at the  scene that the waterhole cam will provide, I'll always wonder if Karula is wandering along the road just out of view, or if the Styx pride is settling down with their cubs for the evening just over that far hill, or that the ellies are standing silently at Quarantine listenening for the distant rumble  that announces the arrival of Marc in the ganda...                       

 

    Lastly, I thank you so very much, Graham and Emily, for giving us the golden opportunity to vicariously experience the wonder and magic of Africa.  You are good people, and I consider myself privileged to have had the opportunity to know you.  You are much needed in today's troubled world.  Godspeed to you, and all at WildEarth.  

[Peter Braat]

Hi all, I will be posting a blog later today with some answers to many of the questions. --Peter

[Wendy Brown]

Very sad to hear about the end of the safari drives, have enjoyed watching them and have learned so much.  Thank you for all your efforts and hard work, many people are so appreciative of what you have done with this.  Will miss seeing Tara and Marc, do enjoy them both very much.  I am glad we will still have the waterhole cam at least and will be able to chat with my WE friends. 

I have no concept of the cost of operating this kind of program but I am sure it is huge.  Too bad there is not a rich benefactor out there who loves animals and believes in educating people about the wonderful animals of Africa. 

Wishing all of you the very best and I will be enjoying the drives right up to the end of this month.

Wendy Brown in New Brunswick, Canada

(ladybird)