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After years of persecution flying-foxes are finally starting
to gain the public's respect. This is the story of one baby.
"Pepi's story".
Black Flying-fox Pteropus
alecto
NB: The photos used
to illustrate this story feature both Black and Grey-headed
Flying-foxes raised by the author over a number of years.
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Photo:
Lynne Purcell "Pepi
wrapped up with dummy" |
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Extracted from "Pepi's Story", by Lynne Purcell
Whenever we are fortunate enough to witness something that
has never occurred before, no matter in what context this
may be, some of us consider ourselves to be very privileged.
It can be hearing the first word that your child utters;
it can be the first time you purchase a brand new car and
know no-one else has been behind the wheel of that particular
vehicle; it can be the observance of hatchlings fighting
their way out of the egg that has bound them in a secure
enclosure for 6 weeks; the birth of a first litter of puppies
and the utter devotion, combined with ferocity, of the new
motherhood of the bitch; it can be the experience of our
first flight in an aeroplane; more... The first kiss of
innocence lost.
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Photo:
Lynne Purcell |
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We can all put
together a compilation which would be endless. First experiences
are not often forgotten, and neither they should.
Things are only important to whom they are
important. Enigmatic? I think not. We all have a different
sense of importance of events. And the amount of effort leading
to the end result can be of great significance. A lot of the
time, things that will result, don't seem to add up to the
amount of time required, and effort, so there is no follow
up.
The bond of a mother and it's young should
never, never be discounted. It's a very real thing, from a
spider to a human. It's all the same. The bonding of most
creatures to their babies is an emotion which should never
be taken for granted or ridiculed. Respect is an important
and necessary thing, to all our large AND small critters,
because they all have a role to play in the scheme of things.
And, ultimately, if they go, we go. It's as simple as that.
If all the insects on the planet were to be annihilated overnight,
we humans would last here only 1 week. Think about it. I do.
And watch a spider weaving her web, on a rainy evening, and
witness the precision, as the rain-drops catch and hang in
her wondrous lace-work. A string of diamonds, glistening and
sparkling. And only SHE knows the safe path to tread. |
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Photo:
Lynne Purcell "Lunchtime" |
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I digress. Common for me. I have been fortunate enough
to have be given the gift of respect for all creatures great
and small. A far higher power than we will ever be able
to argue with, has decided all this wonder for us. It's
there for the taking, and appreciation. Just look around,
and care, and respect that which is far superior to our
minds workings.
I have been lucky enough tonight, alone with my dog Lucy,
to witness a great and special and personal event. (Not
for the first time). After weeks of intense perseverance,
(on Pepi's behalf more than mine) my orphaned baby Flying-fox
decided it was time he followed his instincts, and utilized
those magnificent velvet black membranes joining his feet,
legs, arms and shoulders to his abdomen ... and took off!
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Photo:
Lynne Purcell "Karl
with a young Flying-fox" |
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He has been wanting to fly for a week now, and I was aware
of this, so it was just a matter of time. 2 months is normal,
and from my knowledge of practical experience with my first
Flying-fox 3 years ago, it was a matter of instilling a
feeling of security. Just like his BAT mum would do, if
she hadn't been electrocuted when he was born.
Up until a week ago, he has been playing around, conning
me to let him grab me with his thumb and climb aboard. Not
this last week. I knew it was vital that he get his act
together, because crèche-time is looming. Only a
matter of days now. I have to hand him over then, and something
told me that he wanted to share this enormous breakthrough
with his foster-mum.
He loves me. I love him. How can we not be bonded? Tell
me that 3 months of intensive caring and sharing means nothing?
Tell me that every little advancement in his life is inconsequential?
Tell me that he has not depended on me for ALL his feelings
of security? Tell me that he has not depended on me for
his body cleanliness till he could groom himself? Tell me
that he didn't call me, and recognize my calls to him? What's
more important? Tell me that it is all a waste of time!
For Pepi? No way! He will go out into the big wide world,
and guard our forests, together with his many wives and
offspring, gliding about on their wings of black silk.
For me? Also. No way. The pleasure of daily, no, hourly,
delights, will never be taken for granted, nor forgotten
by me, ever.
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Photo:
Lynne Purcell "Black
& Grey-headed Flying-foxes in creche" |
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To see that wild, young, intelligent and important creature
choose to fly to ME, only his human foster-mum, was something
to behold. I expected it about this time, but that does
not detract from the importance and magnitude of the event.
And he was proud of himself!!! Couldn't wait to try it again,
after peeing himself with nerves, and then calming down
and collecting himself. The trauma, and emotional strain,
and nerve, and security-seeking for ANY creature taking
it's first venture, whether it be walking, crawling, swimming
or flying, must surely be the major challenge of it's life.
How lucky and fortunate to be a witness; even more to be
involved at the very basic level, and know that animal wants
to come to you.
My little (under-developed in stature) Flying-fox is being
turned over to Robyn in a matter of days now. He will be
in the crèche with the other orphans for 6 weeks,
and then slowly absorbed into a colony. The de-humanising
is obviously extremely important, because Pepi knows no
other mother than I.
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Photo:
Lynne Purcell "Feeding
time in creche" |
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I wish my baby
good fortune, and a safe constructive life in our forests.
I will never forget him, and the joy he has given me in his
trust, and unconditional loving response.
Article by Lynne Purcell |
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If you enjoyed this story, please
remember that our only funding sources are from our volunteers
efforts, and public generosity. If you wish to make a donation
please click here for details.
Be assured that your donation will go solely towards the
rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wonderful creatures
such as these.
Please give them a second chance...
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