Baby Booms and Backing Baboons

There are a plethora of babies at the NC Zoo this season. And no, I am not going to show you more of Juma the giraffe, though I admit to being tempted. You can see her here if you missed my earlier posts. Instead, I thought you might like a catch a glimpse of Nori who is turning two this year. If you've been following along, you got to see her infant pictures here. I'm told she's exactly the way a baby chimp should be, rambunctious and a bit spoiled. She has that cute vibe going for her, that's for sure.

Photo courtesy of Tom Gillespie

Also, my friend over at the NC Zoo sent me a fantastic photo of one of the baby kudus out exploring brave new worlds. It's not often you get to see the babies out and about. They hide a lot. This is one of three baby kudus born at the zoo in the last two months, along with two baby fringe-eared oryx. The African Plains exhibit is booming this year, so if you visit the zoo make sure you spend extra time at the overlooks in case you are lucky enough to catch a baby up and nursing or exploring.

Photo courtesy of Tom Gillespie

And in other news, I am very sad to report the death of Rita Miljo, the founder of Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education (CARE) in Phalaborwa, South Africa. She passed away in a fire that also consumed the sanctuary headquarters, offices, and clinic. Miljo founded the clinic in 1989 and dedicated her life to rehabilitating orphaned and injured baboons and reintroducing troups back into protected areas of South Africa. Several people I know who worked with her directly speak very highly of Miljo and of the conservation center. CARE currently houses 400 chamca baboons who are in desperate need of help in rebuilding their home. If you are able, please consider making the jump to CARE's website to make a donation, no matter how small. Every penny will be most appreciated.

Many thanks to Frank Valadez and Jodi Wiley for passing this information on to me.

And last, but certainly not least, if you like science fiction and fantasy, don't miss out on The Ravens Crossing. Season 1 stories are all posted here. They are written by three authors, Amanda Corlies (me), Andi Lea, and West Thornhill. Each author's stories stand alone, but they all work together in the same universe, as well. Season 2 will begin on Monday. Flash fiction segments of our story post six days a week. You can read every bit of it for free.