Kyle's Uganda Trip 2013: UWEC Day 2

Parrot Necropsy

Adult male African Grey Parrot

I started my morning with Hameed with yet another necropsy to perform! This time it was on an African Gray Parrot. There was an odd story behind this bird. Most of these parrots are illegally traded outside of the country. Some end up in places such as Bulgaria, like one that was confiscated a few months ago and died. The ring band on their leg identified them. The bird we had, however, really stumped Hameed. It was supposed to be a bird that was found dead on one of the islands of Lake Victoria and brought here. However, the ring band on its leg identified it as belonging to UWEC… Hameed knew that problems in the past included people stealing birds from the zoo and bringing them elsewhere. He thought this could have been the case here.

First bird necropsy :)

Anyway, he let me begin the necropsy. This was my first on a parrot, let alone a bird! But, my avian anatomy proved to be useful as I could knowledgeably discuss findings with him. This bird was definitely sick when it died. There were a lot of adhesions in its abdomen and chest. This was probably either pssitacosis or salmonellosis. Pssitacosis is caused by a different strain of the group of bacteria that cause Chlamydia in humans. Based on its fecal matter it could also be salmonella. Interestingly, some places started feeding cooked beans to birds. Hameed explained that doing this exposes the birds to a range of human pathogens, like salmonella, from improper food preparation. He advised against this feeding regimen for this very reason.

Morning feedings

After the necropsy, as promised, I was taken out with the keepers for the morning feedings! We went to almost all the herbivores in the various exhibits. Animals fed included: the Rhinos, Water bucks, Giant forest hogs, Buffalo, Elands (largest antelope species), Kope, Warthogs, Zebras, Ostrich, Impala etc. By far, my very favourite feeding was the Rothschild’s Giraffes. Mom, I took these photos especially for you. Other than their browse and legumes they normally receive, a healthy treat they love is bananas. The keepers told me to put a banana in my mouth to get a “kiss” from the giraffes. I think the pictures speak better. What an experience to be that close to such a majestic animal! With morning feedings done, we headed for lunch.

Giant forest hog

"kissing" a giraffe with a banana

Adventure into Entebbe

With the afternoon being quiet, Hameed suggested I meander into Entebbe to check some places out. So I did just that! It is a small town, situated right on the shores of Lake Victoria. It used to be the capital of the country, until Kampala was designated so. Interestingly, I was told the name Kampala, comes from the national animal of Uganda, which is the Impala and Uganda comes from the Buganda kingdom which used to occupy the area most of Uganda sits in. Anyway, there is really only one main road in the town with some banks, shops, markets, restaurants gas stations etc. The residential areas branch off from there. I had to make a stop at a bank to take out some more money. Unfortunately it was too late and the ATM only dispensed shilling. I took out some more shilling but I needed to go back during the day another time and go into the bank to get some USD. I was getting hungry and thought it better to grab something here in town, rather than rush back to UWEC to the restaurant.

Gas is just as expensive, if not
more in Uganda

Little crafts market

4 Turkeys Pub & Restaurant, Entebbe

So I found this bar and grill called “4 Turkeys”. It was a typical little bar. American music playing, people really friendly there and food was really good. I tried my third Ugandan beer here, Bell. Very light and refreshing. A 500ml bottle was only 5000UGX (~$2CAD), thus domestic alcohol is very inexpensive here. That justified me having another one of course J After dinner, I started my way back to UWEC. It was not very far. But wow, never was I asked so many times if I needed a bota-bota (motorcycle taxi) to take me back! Clearly, I screamed tourist, and I was warned by Hameed if I chose to use one I should negotiate the price BEFORE getting to where I needed, and that I should be able to get another for no more than 3000. If I was to ask how much, I could easily pay 10x the normal amount. Good tip!