On one day, I was able to travel with the team to a remote (and snowy) forest area to participate in the release of several lynx. Lucky me, I even got to open one of the crates and watch this confident little female stride out to meet her new territory.
On another day, sketchbook in hand, I was able to observe the "exit exams" for a second group of lynx scheduled for release. The exams and application of radio collars required, of course, that the animals be sedated for a short time. (No less than 20 minutes, since the antidote to the drug can not be given before then, but no longer than 20 minutes if possible.) My happy task was to sit in the corner with my sketchbook and watch sleeping cats. Their exams typically only took 10 minutes or so, but it was important to keep an eye on them while they were still knocked out, just in case they had trouble breathing or some other problem. (None of which happened, thankfully.)This is George. He snored.
When it was all over, we returned the lynx to their enclosures and administered the antidote. A few days later these cats, too, were released.It was all very exciting and fun (and furry! ah-CHOO!)... and "oh- by- the- way- there's- a- cameraman- from- National- Geographic- here- don't- pay- any- attention- to- him."
It's been more than two years, and although I have lots of photos from that day, I had more or less forgotten about the cameraman.
So imagine my surprise when, during yesterday's lunchtime perusal of PBS (thank goodness it's the ONLY channel for which we get decent reception) I saw MYSELF! Just little snippets in the background, mostly transferring lynx from one person to another but, hey! Tick off a few more seconds in my alloted 15 minutes of fame.
wow, that's very cool! how did you get to be a part of that?
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed with both the blog and the project.
ReplyDeleteCool!!! Those lynx have the most enormous feet. I almost feel as though they are wearing slippers.
ReplyDeleteMarissa: It was a perk of many years doing other volunteer stuff for the DOW. It was just happenstance that I was there on a taping day!
ReplyDeleteHolly: Hi! I changed the link to something more up to date than what I had.
Karine: No big kitties out in the Joshua forest, huh? The big male's feet were bigger than my hands. Amazing! And all fluff. As long as they were sleeping. ;-)