We have some special characters at the camp with whom guests can consciously connect with.
The Pack
From top left clockwise:
Toto – one of the newest members to join the camp he moved out from Iddy and the kids home in Kampala. His energetic needs are much better met at the camp where he bounds around tirelessly! A mix of a maltese and spring spaniel, this boy can just keep going and loves bounding about in the water!
Rain – the newest member to the pack. We took her in from an abusive home where she was used for breeding but, her anxious nature did not match their expectations for a guard dog. While her brother came with her, he now lives in spirit at the camp, running free in the wind. Rain happily tags along for walks but she does not like to be touched. The only requirement for her at the camp is to remember what it is to be a dog and live life on her terms.
Zoe – the grandmother of the camp and Maui’s actual mother. This is a non nonsense gal who is giant of a being (a great dane/boerboel mix). While she totters about the camp on old legs, once she spots some mongoose it’s as if she’s a pup again!
Maui – easily the biggest doggo we have at the camp and Zoes son, his father was a pedigree boerboel and his looks definietly come from him! He came to us from city life in Kampala. Since being with us he has relaxed, overcome many of his fears and benefited from being in a pack.
Koa – the stud of the pack, the ride or die pup, he’s always got your back. He loves walking guests around, he’ll be sure to introduce himself and likely stick by your side for the duration of your stay! Grandson to Zoe and nephew to Maui.
Ankole Cows
Kahogo and Rwahogo our two young Anokle cows. The Ka- refers to a female cow who has not yet had a calf and the Rwa- denotes a male.
They have both grown a lot since we received them and with a lot of love, care and respect they have bloomed into wonderful characters in our community. When approached with respect (especially humble yourself before Kahogo!) they are comfortable with close interactions. Taking the stillness to connect to their heartbeats and feel the warmth under your hand, they help to tune yourself into your own body and deepen your awareness of web of life around you.
Goats & Sheep
There are two herds which roam the camp. A wilder herd of adult goats and sheep who we initally established the herd with. These guys prefer to do their own thing, bringing themselves back at the end of the day free roaming. Then a herd of individuals born at the camp and raised in proximity with humans and contact. Some key characters to watch out for are Shadow, our cheeky black male who sometimes wanders off and supplants himself in other peoples houses! And Kabuzi – a rather large male who we took on as he disturbed his previous owners by always getting into huts!
Chickens
Last but not least of our creature companions are the chickens. With so many predators around keeping these guys safe while giving them their freedom to live free lives is a bit of a task. Nonetheless we’ve managed a balance and we enjoy their eggs when available as well as watching little chicks run about our outdoor kitchen.