Shifra Goldenberg
International Intern

Today was a day off from elephant monitoring, so I had a chance to observe the wildlife at camp.  As I worked at my computer, a small bat on the ceiling kept me company, occasionally sweeping down at the sound of an insect and returning to its dark corner to digest.  A group of mongooses hurried past, busily foraging in the sand, while hornbills waited patiently by them for some stray insects to fly out of their endeavors.  There’s a constant chorus here during the day, mostly from hornbills, weavers, and starlings, but the vervet monkeys make their screeching and grunting contribution as well.  It’s so enjoyable to have a chance to sit and experience all of these animals as a guest in their setting.  This great day of observation culminated in an evening visit by a small group of elephants, including Yeagar, a large bull and apparently a frequent camp visitor.  He grazed for a while at the edge of our camp.  Then he knocked down a tree, lost interest, and walked away.  It’s wonderful that the elephants feel safe among us.  I feel especially fortunate that here in Samburu, I don’t even have to go out in the field to see elephants every day!