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...

[Diane Phillips]

Thank you so much for a year and a half of pleasure, anticipation and friendships formed here at Safari.tv.  You have opened a world to me from half a world away and I thank you.  I pray that in the future something can be done to revive this format that is so educational, instructional and promotes the conservation that is so precious to all of us.  

I know you would let us know if there was anything we could do to help you continue the dream.  Not only your dream but the dreams of all who have watched and enjoyed the drives.  i feel honored to have known Marc and Tara and Patrick and Jared if only though emails and on chat.   Some of my most enjoyable moments were on the rainy days when Marc or Tara would talk to us on the Djuma Cam  while we "chatted" in questions to them.  Their devotion and passion is unsurpassed. 

Thank you so much and let me know if my family and I can be of any help. 

[Skipper]

Because things like this have been posted on the internet lately:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLgFZzsM9vU&feature=youtu.be

the rumour now is that the live drives will continue but on a subscription/pay-per-view basis.

 

Comments?

[Penny]

Just wanted to say thank you for doing the drives for so long. I have enjoyed them for more than 2 years and will miss seeing everyone daily. The animals were spectacular to follow and get to know..especially Karula and her many cubs. The staff has been exceptional. I have been grieving over Rexon, Patrick, Pieter, but now there will be so many more to miss. Best wishes to everyone. I hope Tara, Marc, Hermann and the rest will find a way to keep in touch. I may have to join Facebook if that is their only avenue. Please keep a list of members in case the safaris can start sometime in the future. Huge Thank You.

[Sal-Lee Holland]

Well said David,  I couldn't agree more with you.  I have been here a long time too,  I didn't chat  at the beginning though.  I remember when only a few could be on at one time to watch the drives, and look how many they got on later on.  Keep those dreams up Graham!  David Keen said:

     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.  

[steve wright]

Sorry to see the drives end. There are so many memories that I hold precious.  I remember  a couple memories that stay in my mind. One with the heartbreaking end of wonky and Pieter as guide and hard to control emotions.  Another time of Pieter and  a teenage elle making a mock charge at jigga.  And Pieter in a night drive  and having leapords  walk right by the jigga and Pieter as calm as can be. Hated it when the live drives ended as I stayed up late so I could catch the drives live though I am in the states.  Then we only had the videos to watch when we could.  Sorry that financially the drives had to end. Help someone please make this work.

[Peter Braat]

Hi Steve. Thanks for your message. You'll be happy to hear Djuma has stepped in and will attempt to save the drives. Please check our blogs for more information on this.

[Maureen]

David, for some reason, I only just found this comment.  Even though, happily, events have reversed and we are now blessed with 2 live drives daily, I could not let your comment pass without adding my own.  This is the most beautiful, well written and well thought out piece I have read, anywhere.  It encapsulated all of my feelings and memories in a short, yet powerful, statement.  Thank you.  It is a good reminder of just how blessed we are.

 

Maureen Fitzgerald

New Jersey, USA

David Keen said:

     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.  

[Deana Myers]

Why ! on Earth would you even think about stopping the drive ? It s the most wonderful thing , i have to say i am petty new here, but for the last 5 months i have enjoyed , and been here every day to see the morning drives , because of my time zone i have a hard time staying up for the am drive , but gosh darn it i will someday stay up all night if i have to ! I love this and always will , its a big part of my life now , my family says its all i talk about, So please don t stop it so meany people NEED IT !  I know some is hard to see ,being and animal lover, but it is nature and they all have to eat !  We have the option to turn away , its up to you.  I have learned so much.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Thank-you    Deana

[steve wright]

Nov. 24 2011 was a truly sad day for all viewers and all members of the drives present and past. From Pieter all the way to the introduction of Tara the only female presenter who I loved and watched all her drives as she brought a different insight and info to the drives. Maybe it was her live spirit and laughter or maybe her nonstop chatter that always kept you interested. I have missed you all and I dont know if you will be back on but I wont forget the memories as long as I live.  I love you all.

[Samantha]

Love watching the live drive. I will never get to the wild awesome places where these beautiful animal lives. I still enjoy watching every bit of their lives !! :)  Sad to see it discontinued :(