By Karl Jensen, EAA 554322, EAA Chapter 322
Many EAA members here in South Africa help with flights for The Bataleurs, a group of volunteer pilots who fly for the environment. I was one such pilot who recently undertook a mission for the group — “a mission that made my flying for a purpose meaningful — Ungulungu’s long trip home to the Kalahari.”
The result of this story for me had a very special outcome, along with an upliftment in my faith for human kindness, whilst revealing the irrepressible drive of conservationists, whether they be professionals, pilots, or supporters.
We/The Bateleurs have in this year transported mature lions, whole batches of tortoises, ground hornbills, rhino eggs, vultures, pangolins, and the list goes on. So why then would this mission stand out for me, ahead of the “major” flights done for the critical and/or “in vogue” species?
When two caring conservation organizations join forces, magic happens.
A little 1-year-old meerkat named Ungulungu (translates to meerkat in Zulu), was recently rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade by Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofit organization running a wildlife rescue, clinic, and rehabilitation centre in Limpopo. Meerkats are social animals and need a lot of care to be properly rehabilitated, and the decision was made to send Ungulungu home to the Kalahari, to a specialist meerkat rehabilitation facility.
I was approached by Steve McCurrach, a very hands-on director of The Bateleurs to carry out a special mission to rescue Ungulungu. The Bateleurs board decided to undertake the mission without consideration for compensation for expenses, as the meerkat is not on the endangered species list and thereby frowned upon by rare donor funding for frivolous spending. I grabbed the opportunity to undertake the flight in my Cessna 170 from Gauteng to Roedtan in the Limpopo Springbok Flats to collect the little guy and fly him to Lanseria. A round trip of 250 miles.
Desmond Knoetze of FireBlade Aviation, the Tswalu/Oppenheimer aviation operators, was contacted as a flyer (pun intended) and steered Steve with contact numbers, support, and guidance. They also arranged executive transport by Beech 1900 from Lanseria to Tswalu, where Alma of Solid Earth Meerkat Rehab arranged to collect him and switch his temporary diet from FireBlade caviar to self-hunted scorpions. The Beech 1900 was flying sans passengers to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa’s biggest private wildlife reserve, to collect returning guests.
Alma-Celeste Stafford at Solid Earth Meerkat Rehab and Rescue arranged for Ungulungu to be collected for the 40-mile road journey onward to Van Zylsrus.
The kaleidoscope of logistics unfurled; Saturday, September 7, fly to Tranquillity Day Spa and Lodge shortly before 1700 to overnight, generously free of charge by the owner Ray Scott as a contribution for the mission. Enjoy a Springbok/All Blacks Rugby match and sleep early. Woken at about 2 a.m. by roaring lions from the adjacent lion sanctuary with occasional yelps of hyenas and cries of jackals — oh, what a delight. 0500 rise to untie and preflight my Cessna 170B ZU-VAL.
0555 commence earliest legal takeoff for destination Roedtan. During takeoff run, I note a movement about 50 yards to the side — a herd of wildebeest, spooked by the engine noise, running along. Now flying in silky, smooth dawn air and watching the sun rise in the east. Overhead the lovely snow-white farm airstrip near Roedtan with Carina and Paul waiting for me with precious Ungulungu in his carrier. I land at 0632. A photo session takes place and the emotional handover of the little animal, and I get showered with gifts. I would love to have stayed longer but had to be at Lanseria to meet the B1900 before 0810.
I take off with the little animal whimpering for about 30 seconds and then he goes to sleep. We fly at 5,500 feet in velvety smooth air and land at Lanseria with no delay, following a Safair B738.
After taxying into the Execujet FBO apron, I hand over Ungulungu in his carrier with his laminated passenger ID and ticket to Albie Mouton and Richardt, and we have another photo session. They depart at 0815 and arrive at Tswalu an hour and 15 minutes later. Albie sent many voice notes and a GPS tracking link for anyone who wanted to follow their progress. To meet them at Tswalu was Clement Motau who delivered Ungulungu to Alama at Van Zylsrus Solid Earth Meerkat and Rehab.
Alma immediately reported that Ungulungu was home and being introduced to other young meerkats. Alma ended that message with “You ALL made this possible. He is home and I am crying.” We will be updated on his progress and re-wilding which can take about two years.
I shed so many happy tears during this mission. It was a wild success. I am staggered by the concern of all who were involved. Passion and people like this cannot be bought — they are simply priceless, and you are all applauded and appreciated, with sincerest of thanks. Never has more fuss been made around a mere-kat (LOL), but let us look past that and see this as a display of the drive which urges The Bateleurs to serve as they do, with a willingness and an inspiring passion. Long may The Bateleurs institution survive.
Watch the video blog of Ungulungu’s trip here.
Karl has voluntarily carried out 23 missions for The Bateleurs.