A New Experience

Hello Everyone! Greetings from Africa. Hope you are all doing well. I am doing very well. Even though I mis everyone it really is great to be back here. It was wonderful reuniting with such great people. They make me feel like I never left. Along with getting to see old friends, I have already gotten the chance to make new friends. V from the UK I have spent the most time with so far as she is showing me around and bringing me up to speed with all what has changed while I was gone. She is great. Other volunteers that will be here for only temporary include Z from the UK also, S who was also born in the UK but has lived in the US for many years and attends UConn along with K. They volunteered to stay longer after their training at the training school like Alana did last year. Also there is a ranger L who has been covering for Riaan. He and Yolande were out of town for a while because Yolande was doing school work as she is working to receive her masters. I saw Riaan for the first time briefly today fir the first time, he was wearing the beanie that my MeMe had made last year. I also saw Pete for the first time, and he hasn't changed a bit. He was wearing a neon pink shirt with shoes to match. He is so funny, glad I got to see him, even though it was for a short time. I know I will see him around more for sure.

I am staying in a place similar to last year, I only lacked water the first day. They fixed it quickly. I came to find that the Cheetahs past away this year from a virus. The rest of the animals are doing well.

As for the Boy and the other rhinos. I cannot not say much for their safety but what I will say is wow, the Boy has grown! I cant believe it. Karen and V say they think he remembers me. No other volunteer has been able to go in alone with him, as  he would run them off and hassle them. When I go in their alone he is comfortable. I cant lie and say them saying that really made me feel good. I am so glad to see him. I have missed him so so much and besides being ginormous, he is still the same Boy. Same boy who is playful, well we cant play the same way as we used to...he would pummel me (which he tries) and the same boy who is sweet and still need a lot of love.

I will share more as I know I can and have access. Thank you all! Happy Father's Day!