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Art of Conservation welcomes Dr. Lucy, MGVP’s regional veterinary manager and WildlifeDirect’s Gorilla Doctors, to this weeks classes. Lesson Where Art Tells a Story is the theme for students to consider as they listen to Dr. Lucy share the story of Nzeli, a female mountain gorilla in Bwenge Group in the Karisoke Habitat. Our students receive the worksheet pictured below for illustrating a beginning, a middle, and an end to this real life action that takes place in the nearby forest,
Let’s take a look at the BEGINNING of our story with the help of class volunteers. Valerie, with her ever-expanding knowledge of veterinarian terms, interprets for Lucy.
Below, student’s illustrations of the story’s BEGINNING. Moving now to the MIDDLE of our story, Dr. Lucy asks for volunteers to pose as trees. Using the dense vegetation as her cover, she pretends to prepare the blow gun she would normally use to administer antibiotics to her patients. The vets would never let any of the gorillas discover what is about to happen…a syringe, frequently referred to as a ‘flying dart’ is filled with antibiotics and is placed inside a 54 inch-long tube which then attaches to a blow gun. When triggered, the gun, with an oxygenated cartridge, propels the flying dart and hopefully hits the patient in the correct place - all occurring without any gorilla taking notice.
When first asked how veterinarians give medicine to a wild gorilla in the forest, some guesses included the vet giving an ill gorilla a banana with the medicine hidden in the fruit. Not a bad idea, but we soon learn it’s not that easy. I think our students developed a better understanding of how wild gorillas are given medicine when the veterinarians believe it is necessary. The pictures below show the vet in a distance and not right next to their patient.
THE (happy) END. Nzeli recovers from her injuries with the help of antibiotics and - just as my dad who was a MD often prescribed to aid many ailments, ‘Get it out in the sun!’ Thanks to Dr. Lucy and all of our guests who graciously take time to visit Art of Conservation classes and speak with our students. Through discussion and art lessons, we all gain a better understanding of what it entails to care for wild animals, forests, and people. Perhaps budding artists and / or veterinarians are blossoming as we speak. Until next time,
5 Comments posted on "Nzeli and the Flying Dart: Dr. Lucy Tells A Story"
sheryl, washington dc on April 26th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I might’ve enjoyed the art portion of school when I was a kid if we had speakers as interesting as Dr. Lucy. s.
Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FL on April 27th, 2008 at 8:18 am
What an amazing approach…acting out these illustrations. These kids had to enjoy this lesson, I can imagine them recounting this experience with their parents. What better way to spread the message of conservation!
jo Ghrist on April 27th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Julie dear,
Lucia Cristiana, Brazil on April 27th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
How convincing Dr. Lucy can be. And how persuasive will be this young people for wild life conservation. Thank you Julie for your amazing work.
Samantha on April 28th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Great post Julie… thinking of you over there! Post a comment
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