Africa Wild

SHINE 1993 – 2015.
During the mid-nineties (about 1995) a tiny Grey Duiker was abandonded by its mother at Shimuwini and raised by Brenda Watts, wife of the Camp Manager at that time, Frank Watts. The little Duiker ewe was first named Cupie and later renamed Shine.
Shine has never left camp for long and became a fixture to all guests as she sauntered close to welcome every guest at their cottage. An interesting fact is that Duikers usually do not get much older than 12 years at most in the wild and Shine reached the incredible (for a Duiker) age of about 22 years. Shine was in a very good condition due to a variety of factors like an abundance of food, no stress, water availability and a friendly environment. She was a guest of honour at every small wedding and function at Shimuwini.
Christo Knox, Camp Manager of the beautiful Shimuwini, told me last year that their greatest concern was that she would fall prey to a Leopard before she dies of old age. Christo informed me that sadly this happened about a month ago. She fell prey to a hungry Leopard. Shine will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
I will truly miss her warm welcome at the camp and her social calls at my cottage on my next visit to Shimuwini in 2016.
Here is a few photos of my last visit to Shimuwini with Shine visiting me on my stoep.
PS. I just received a message from Stoffel Joubert that was in touch with Brenda Watts today, therefore I have amended this article because it meant that Shine was actually 22 years old - incredible - herewith:

Stoffel Joubert - Johan , I just got hold of Brenda and gave her the sad news...She is now living in Hazyview .. She said that 'Shine' was born in 1993....
Finally some input from Brenda Watts who raised the little Duiker:
Brenda Watts: I am happy to have given the gentle little creature her life. I was called to Mbyamithi by Gwen Louw - April 1993. A duiker had been killed by a leopard and the little one had staggered into the camp. I didn't hesitate...I fetched her and she never looked back. Her umbilical cord was still attached. I have so any fond memories of her. She simply stole my heart and I am the richer for having had her in my life.