Owen and Mzee's Web Log - Lafarge Eco Systems

Owen and Mzee's Web Log

Committing to our Commitments

March 18, 2009

In our first blog this year we outlined our project plans as we near the end of the first quarter.

REVAMPING THE SNAKE PARK

Albert Musando, Centre of LES conferrs with the contractor.

The extreme make over for the snake park has began and is well on the way towards completion , retaining the original foundation the park will maintain the snake shape. There are 23 new terrariums that will host both non poisonous and semi poisonous snakes.

Its time to start working on the roof.

Venomous snakes will be introduced next year.

Sabine and Alex in the orange jackets attend the bi-monthly site visits and contractor briefing

The largest of the terrariums will be host the largest of the snakes the pythons; the luxurious suites include bathing pools and shower mists used to cool the snakes. Materials used in the interior designs all conform to the natural habitat; they are natural materials such as Cedar and Ebony, the Casaurina has been used for log seats. To improve on the aesthetics the area has been cleared and materials reused in the construction.

Justus our snake handler uses a customised trap to capture a monitor lizard for the new park.

The structure will be completed by the 20^th April, 2009

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THE BOLD HIPPOTAMUS IS NO IGNORAMUS!

February 17, 2009

VALENTINES, love is in the air............

"Well let me have a quick lunch before dinner with Cleo" Says Owen

"Oh no, Cleo saw me got to take cover"

"Ah got to clean up then take her by surprise"

"Gotta practice my lines man, she is one classy gal!'

"Hi gal wanna join me for some dairy cubes and melon?" Owen shyly asks.

After a hefty dose of dairy cubes and watermelon the two went back home for a glorious swim.

The End.

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Plants, Plants, Glorious plants

February 05, 2009

STOP Moments

At times it is important to stop, breath, commune with nature, the small things, and the big things around you and to just be at peace.

These are some of Sabine’s stop moments. Enjoy the wonderful plants in our quarries.

This is the Barringtonia racemosa

The Barringtonia buds

The buds begin to flower

The Flower blooms

The Barringtonia racemosa grows close to water and provides hiding places for fish. It is an evergreen tree and is a good source of firewood and charcoal.

The caesalpinia bonduc flowers and buds

The seed pods found at the base of the flowering stem

The Pods dry and open up.

The beauty of multiple pods

I hope you enjoyed the photos as much as Sabine enjoyed taking the photos. What are your stop moments made of?

Owen and Cleo are getting on well, we recently introduce a lunch time water melon snack for the two much to Cleo's joy, Owen is still shy and wont get out of the water till the evening. Mzee is doing well his bond with Toto has grown stronger the two are often seen together, grazing together.

Unfortunately I could not get my new photos on time so next week you are all in for a watermelon / hippo treat

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A New Year and New Beginnings

January 28, 2009

A New Year and New Beginnings

Happy New Year Bloggers

As the year begins; with zest and valor we take on the Performance Improvement Plan for the year 2009 to undertake new developments in both Haller Park and Forest Trails. These will include

Suzy the warm and friendly python getting her weekly streches!

1. Revamping the snake park: This is an extreme makeover that includes reconstructing the buildings and the snake terrariums, the project will also see poisonous snakes being introduced again into the Park. This will ensure diversity of species.

The Fish tanks at Haller Park

2. Rejuvenating the Fish Farm to commence the commercial fish farming. Previously the Fish farm was used for educational purposes.

lampides boeticus at the Forest Trails - picture by Huig Bouter

3. Revitalizing the Butterfly Pavilion in a bid to increase the number of butterfly species found. This will involve landscaping, introduction of more food plants for the caterpillars, flowering plants for nectar, fruit plants for food.

The Malachite Kingfisher watches over the lake at Central Quarry

4. Create a birding haven at the Central Quarry.

Sabine and her owls at Haller Park

Both Sabine and Stephen are now fully recovered.

More news from Haller Park including photos of our favourite Hippos' to follow next week.

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The Snake Doctors of Forest Trails

October 31, 2008

The “Snake Doctors” Of Forest Trails

Ancient folklore believed that Dragonflies could bring snakes back to life hence the name. In Forest Trails we 21 different dragonflies. Dragonflies have been on the Earth for a very long time, over 300 million years in fact. Although we are accustomed to seeing them flying around dragonflies start their life in water.

Dragonflies mating

The lifecycle of the dragonfly has three distinct stages and is known as an incomplete metamorphosis

Stage 1 Egg - Eggs are laid in water on plants near the water.

Stage 2 Nymph - The eggs hatch out into larvae which continue to live in the water and are thus known as aquatic larvae.

the Black Widow

A larva of the dragonfly is called a nymph and resembles the adult except it is much smaller, doesn't have wings, and has a wider and shorter abdomen. As the nymph grows it molts, (sheds its skin), a number of times. The dragonfly can spend a long time in the water as a nymph, eating and growing. When fully grown the nymph crawls up a thick reed or similar plant stem and attaches itself just below the surface of the water. It then undergoes its final change, growing two pairs of wings in the process. When ready it breaks through the head of its old skin and uses its claws to pull itself out of the casing formed by its old skin. Once out of its old skin it climbs up the stem and out of the water.

Stage 3 Adult - On leaving the water the dragonfly finds a place to stand and starts to pump liquid into its wings to stretch them out tightly. It then allows the sun to dry them out. Once its wings are dry the dragonfly takes to the air to explore the surrounding area.

The life span of a dragonfly can vary from a few months to around 7 years. Most of this time is spent in the nymph stage with the adult stage only living for a few weeks. The adult breathes through small holes in its abdomen called spiracles. It is able to hover and catches other insects for food as it flies around.

Despite their appearance, rapid speed, and "rattling" approach dragonflies are harmless to humans. The clasper at the end of the abdomen of the insect is often mistaken for a stinger. The male actually uses it to hold onto the female dragonfly when mating!

• Each dragonfly eye contains up to 30,000 lenses
• The eyes' position on the dragonfly gives the insect a 360 degree field of vision
• Although 80% of the brain is devoted to sight dragonflies are not able to register detail well

Tiger Tail

Dragonflies typically eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants and butterflies. They are therefore valued as predators, since they help control populations of harmful insects. Adult dragonflies do not bite or sting humans, though nymphs are capable of delivering a painful bite.

We are happy to report that Stephen Tuwei is recovering well from his motorbike accident where he broke his leg. He is now recuperating at home, hopping on his crutches and should return to work next month.

Photos kindly donated by Huig Bouter

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STAND UP AND TAKE ACTION

October 16, 2008

This week is the UN STAND UP AND TAKE ACTION WEEK

In 2000, leaders of 189 countries signed the Millennium Declaration, agreeing to do everything in their power to end poverty. They pledged to achieve eight crucial Millennium Development Goals:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV / AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development

In Lafarge Eco Systems part of the activities we have undertaken to help eradicate poverty and ensure Environmental Sustainability is to introduce the “SHAMBA” SYSTEM. The ‘shamba’ system is a form of agro forestry, where farmers are encouraged to cultivate primary crops (maize, beans and cowpeas and vegetables) on Bamburi Cements Bio Fuel plantations on the condition that they assist in taking care of the tree seedlings.

Spot the Casaurina seedling.

Benefits:

• Enhancing food security to the adjoining communities.

• Providing employment to the adjoining communities hence helping to eradicate poverty.

Farmers Harvesting maize in Vipingo

• The bio fuel plantations will provide wood fuel for the cement kilns.

• The plantations will also help reduce the CARBON in the environment thus ensuring environmental sustainability. We have so far planted close to one million trees within the last two years.

• Changing by climatic conditions along plantation areas, we are expecting more rainfall in this areas in the next 6 years

Harvested crop loaded on to the LES tractor for delivery to their homes

Community members were allocated 1 acre plot each where they farmers inter-planted the maize with green peas, groundnuts, okra, beans and cowpeas. Farmers at Vipingo harvested 6 tons on average of maize with cobs (12 bags of 90kgs of shelled maize).

No trees were harmed during this process!

Cleopatra Queen of all she surveys.

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Salute to a fallen Hero!

September 22, 2008

Dr Kashmiri, a friend, a doctor, a mentor, a great leader.

Dr Kashmiri arrives at Haller Park for translocation of Elands, Oryx, and Waterbucks

Stephen Tuwei ; misses a colleague and teacher

I started working with Dr Kashmiri in 2004, when Owen was brought to us. The doctor was instrumental in the rescue and safe transportation of Owen into Haller Park. We then started working together; tending to the settling in of Owen, treating Mzee’s shell, advising on the subsequent translocation of Owen and Cleo. I remember in particular the hours spent trying to train Cleopatra to enter the translocation cage in preparation for the move to the new Boma.

Sabine, Dr Kashmiri, Alex ,Sharon and members of the wildlife team load Owen safely into the trailer.

Together with Sabine, Paula, Sharon, Alex and the entire wildlife team, I continued working with the Doctor in various other projects such as the movement of Elands and Oryx to Ndara Ranch in the Tsavo, both in 2005 and 2006. I will miss Dr. Kashmiri, my friend my mentor.

Stephen, Alex and Dr Kashmiri ensures Owen's safe landing.

Alex Mutiso – Tourism and Ecosystems Manager;

Dr. Kashmiri demonstrated a drive like no other. His love for animals and what he did could be seen simply by the passion he put into his work. The wealth of knowledge he would impart to those around him remains with us. I first met him during the Eland, Oryx, and Waterbuck transfer from Haller Park. I immediately felt comfortable that this man was doing the job and no one else. He has left a legacy at Lafarge Eco Systems that will be with us forever.

Waterbuck is tranquilized as DR Kashmiri prepares to put on the hoist over the animal, Stephen, Alex, and the wildlife team listen attentively to instructions.

Sharon Okanga – Wildlife Officer

Dr Kashmiri was one of those people you never forget. Outstanding in his profession, warm gruff and generous, with a commitment to passions close to his heart. I have known him since I was a little girl and I do not believe I will meet someone like him again. He remains an inspiration to me.

Touch down for Mzee as Stephen, Dr Kashmiri and Alex breath a sigh of relief for a job well done.

Patricia Aruwa – Marketing

I have known Dr Kashmiri in a different setting; he was a kind gentle man with a heart for the less fortunate in the society. He was tenacious in his support for the children with Cerebral Palsy, he aggressively sought for sponsorship for the children and each year at the Forest Trails we proudly partnered with him for the Cerebral Palsy walk, and at his Ranch for the annual food festival both seeking to raise funds. His philanthropy and passion are to be emulated.

The two friends united at last, a tribute to Dr Kashmiri who was instrumental in making it hapopen

Finally a picture of Mzee taken last week as promised.

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NOW YOU SEE HIM NOW YOU DON'T

September 04, 2008

We promised now we deliver.

Owen eyes the team. Look how big he has grown!

Last week members of the editorial team and our photographer took lovely shots of our celebrity couple.

Owen takes cover

Lafarge safety regulations require that all staff must wear reflective jackets. The bright luminous orange jackets and overalls have quite scared the animals, but with time the animals have gradually become used the bright orange. Hippos are particularly sensitive to colour and rightly so on espying our photographer Owen scurried into the nearest bush but later came out when he realized the was no danger.

Mummy look what small eyes he has!

The two proceeded to pose for us.

Owen and Cleo strut their stuff

This is for all of you for putting up with us for the last few months.

Next blog Mzee photos

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WE ARE BACK!!!

August 18, 2008

Hi Fellow Bloggers

After a long Hiatus we are back.! we apologise for the long back all previous issues have been resolved and we are now working at a new improved and better site / blog.

Updates

Owen & Cleo

The two are really getting along now. Cleo has taught Owen to .......... yes you guessed it right play with sticks and the two have been seen floricking in water and playing with sticks . This goes on until the stick is broken into small pieces and the hunt for a new stick or log starts again in earnest. Owen has stopped being shy and now comes out of the water during the day. The weather has also been quite cool and this helps.

Mzee and Msichana (No.13)

Mzee is getting on well with his new mate Msichana they are often sighted together in thier Boma once in a while Toto pays a visit tghen moves back to her Boma.

Stephen

Stephen sends his regards he is currently on leave but he is just as excited as we are that the blog is back.

Sabine

Sabine is getting better and stronger each day last week she was able to spend two weeks in the office. The animals really miss her especially the Oryx that hang around the factory they are usually found taking a nap next to her car in the night.

New additions to the family.

We recieved 56 new leopards tortoises from the seafarers who had rescued them. we have also welcomed into the fold a new Scops Owl any suggestions for her name?

Sorry I could not upload any new photos but am sure these old ones will suffice

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Karsts of Vipingo

March 10, 2008

The Karsts of Vipingo

Limestone Caves in Vipingo Limestone Karst in Vipingo

A Karst is a distinctive topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock in our case limestone.This geological process, occurred over many thousands of years, resulting in unusual subsurface features of complex underground drainage systems and caves.

Staff Members in the Karst

Staff at the limestone caves in Vipingo (can you spot Sabine)

How a Karst is Formed

The process of karst formation involves what is referred to as "the carbon dioxide cascade." As sea water picks up CO2 in the atmosphere, it which dissolves into the water. As it hits the ground, through wave action it percolates through the soil and picks up more CO2 to form a weak solution of carbonic acid. The infiltrating water naturally exploits any cracks or crevices in the rock. Over time these fractures enlarge as the bedrock continues to dissolve. Openings in the rock increase in size, and an underground drainage system begins to develop, allowing more water to pass through and accelerating the formation of underground karst features.

Traditional Healer at the Vipingo Caves