After receiving so many angry, caring and
passionate emails, messages on our blog, twitter and facebook, I
now feel positive about the future of the Tiger Corbett.
I made people "physically ill". I've been
compared to Mugabe and to the Hitler. I've been offered a
choice between death and castration. Can I come back to you on
that one!
On the positive side, I received potential
homes for Corbett in Colorado, the Sunderbans, Siberia, Sariska,
in South Africa and in China where he can "hunt Chinese tiger
poachers".
Many of you thought he needs a mate and sex,
others thought castration will get rid of his aggression.
tigers mating
Others told me that I must not "dilute the
gene-pool". Jules Brenner sent me an article (American
Scientist) about the aggressive gene. This was valuable input
and I thank you.
Cam Steele believes this world is for "every
animal, not just for humans". Gary Thomas told me that I "lived
to tell the tale, let Corbett live to share the tale".
The main thing is that hundreds of people
participated in the debate and hopefully a good decision was
made.
It is amazing that with technology, we can
talk to each other across the world. All of us concerned for
this planet have communication tools to change, to save, to
adapt.
The human population is now 7 billion people
and we are pushing many species, including the tiger to the
brink of extinction.
I'm doing well in hospital and walked 800
steps without help today. Hopefully I will be back at Tigers
next week and can continue with rehab at home.
During all this time, I have of course
gone through my own evolution and this is what I have
decided to do:
potential new area
I will create a 300 Ha area for
Corbett. On the ground, the fence will be heightened and
strengthened. Where there may be danger, double gates
will be installed.
Animal communicators will be invited
to communicate with Corbett in his boma and then when he
is set free to see how he feels.
fence
If you would like to contribute to
Corbett's boma, you can do this through the Savannah
Fund (see below).
In addition, I will shortly hold an
auction in Johannesburg to raise some of the R3 million
that I need (details will follow).
-
One of the things we will auction, is a
life size bronze statue of Corbett. As I write this
well known artists John Bassi is working out the logistics
of how to create this magnificent bronze which will weigh
300 kilograms.
-
At the auction 15 of the best photos by
Daryl and Sharna Balfour, Lorna Drew and Yvette van Bommel
will be auctioned off.
-
Safaris from well known lodges will be
auctioned, two big cat safaris will go under the
hammer.
-
For any collectors, replicate jackets of
the one JV wore which gave him protection against Corbett's
teeth, will be auctioned.
My new book "Hand Brake Safari - A Journey
with Tigers" will be launched. Written with humour, it tells of
the last 12 years of tiger conservation. The blood, the sweat,
the tears, the joy, the sadness and of cause the attack.
At the auction there will also be a thank you
ceremony for Julie Brown, Julie Ann Reid and Phumlani Nchunu
whose incredible bravery saved my life.
If anyone has anything of value, a painting,
an art piece, a herd of blesbuck, a sable bull
antelope, anything that has value that can be auctioned, please
contact Sunette ([email protected])
We will let you know the final details of the
auction, however, the first of June at 6pm in Johannesburg has
been targeted.
When the new boma is completed and fully
stocked with prey, Corbett will be darted, weighed, measured and
then he will be transported to his new area. One or two mature
tigresses will join him. The area will be stocked with kudu,
warthog, mountain reedbuck, blue wildebeest, impala, blesbuck
and springbuck.
In the meantime, I need to get back to full
fitness. Thank you again for thousands of messages from across
the world. In my darkest hour, I could feel the positive energy.
Thank you to the staff, the sisters and the
doctors that treated me at MediClinic in Bloemfontein. I am
extremely grateful.
Corbett after operation
The threat by lethal injection of Corbett is
gone and the freedom route will be followed. You have the
satisfaction of having influenced my decision and I thank you
for it.
Tread lightly on the earth
JV
Savannah Fund:
SEVEN FALLS TRADING (PTY) LTD
FIRST NATIONAL BANK - TROMPSBURG
A/C 62094732693
BRANCH CODE: 230932
SWIFT CODE: FIRNZAJJ
IBAN: 230932 62094732693
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
32 CHURCH STREET
TROMPSBURG
9913
SOUTH AFRICA
