July 3, 2004
"Major Fossa Success"
by Anna White

It was February 2004 and a long, hectic and very tiring ten months had passed since our last adventure when we had travelled in Mali, West Africa. It was definitely time for another trip.

Weeks of research and discussions followed, the result of which was the decision to do a conservation trip and what better place to start than the Great Red Island. Carnivores of Madagascar appealed on many fronts not least of which was the opportunity to help towards the preservation of the illusive and endangered Fossa (cryptoprocta ferox). Should an opportunity present itself to see said creature, well that would be out of this world. And out of this world happened even more quickly even than anyone thought!

Anna with an anesthetized 'Ginny'

Ginny came into our lives on day one of trap checking, day two at camp. The news over the crackling radios of her imminent arrival at camp caused a whirlwind of commotion in both the Jardin Botanique A and B teams, as everyone scurried back to base camp. Luke was in Fossa arrival mode and the excitement was palpable.

Ginny was a two year old female who couldn't resist breakfast, demonstrating that she was diurnal. She was found to be healthy and provided there was a male to take her fancy there was no reason she would not breed in the near future, ensuring at least one more generation of her rare species.

Ginny was amazing; her fur was clean, light and soft. Her long snout was topped off with a surprisingly dry nose. Her deep amber eyes were hypnotic, never more so than when she smelt freedom and bolted into the wild. She had the cutest, most unusual, wonderfully smooth and generously cushioned pads on her feet I have ever seen on any creature. I was totally captivated.

It was a truly priceless experience!