Shocking waterhole experience
THE prevailing drought may be described as a shocking experience to most of us, but in Addo Elephant National Park our beloved elephants experience it in a literal sense.
Authorities have devised a shocking cure-the-symptom innovation.
The seemingly inconspicuous Peasland watering hole is a popular social attraction for a variety of locals, and where the visitor always had a good chance of finding at least a few elephants, warthogs and zebras.
But what I observed on Saturday morning November 11 was a different scenario altogether – call it a shocking experience.
A family of five elephants appeared from the shrubbery in the background and approached the enticing watering hole with hesitation.
They gazed suspiciously upon what appeared to be a poorly constructed square fence approximately 15m x 15m.
The elephants hesitantly progressed an- other 20-odd metres and then finally came to a halt 10m from the wiry construction.
They were clearly confused and their body language expressed dismay.
A description of the structure is apparent from the picture.
As we tried to figure out what the heck was going on, a Parks Board bakkie arrived at the scene and drove right up to the structure.
An official disembarked and went to the nearest planted structure ( hoekpaal) where he took a reading with what appeared to be a multi-meter or voltage reader.
Then it dawned upon us that the structure was an electrified fence that would shock elephants with the dangling electrodes, but was supposed to let smaller game in.
As the wardens drove off, I managed to enquire and the response was, “There is no water in this area, elephants drink up to 200l of water at a time and this structure is to keep them away from the pool to allow other animals to drink”.
The answer to my question as to what the elephants were supposed to do when they needed water was, “There is water over the-e-re”, pointing in an unclear direction and as if it was quite a distance away.
If this shock tactic is the result of a scientific research, it should be communicated to the concerned visitor by means of a leaflet or other appropriate method at the reception office, or on air or a large notice at the spot.
I herewith request the SANParks to motivate its strategy, and I call upon other elephant addicts to demand an answer and explanation.
One does not present food to a famished person and shock him as he reaches out for it.
Ben Venter, Mill Park, Port Elizabeth