OPERATION NOAH

Operation Noah started in 1958 in which 6,000 animals were rescued. The first three men staring the rescue work were Rupert Fothergill, Frank Junor and Danie Bredenkamp. After the wall was plugged, nature began to struggle to come to grips with the new phenomenon, the waters of the Zambezie began to back up the small river beds so reversing its course. On that 1st day the river climbed six feet up the wall in 9 hours.

Other members of the team to join were Barry Ball, Len Harvey, Tommy Orford, "Tinkie" Haslam, Peter Joans, Stuart Claarson, Mike van Rooyen, Boyd Reese, Bert Milne and Peter Moore.

Launching of the Ark

Camp scene at one of the islands. Rupert Fothergill, Peter Jones and Tinkie Haslam

Some of the small green boats. The Buffalo, Warthog and Tess.

Mike van Rooyen looking for an island.

Rupert and Len Harvey releasing the Waterbuck from the net.

Rupert and Stuart Claarsen capturing a porcupine.

Frank Junor was the main person capturing the reptile family. Birds were also rescued from nests which were slowly being flooded by the rising waters.

Rupert Fothergill

A porcupine being saved from the water.

John Williamson a Vet

A little help to overcome the stress.

Frank Junor was gored by a buffalo on Sunday 8th March 1959 while trying to dart the animal.

A duiker was the first mammal to be caught and transported to safety. All animals were weighed and measurements taken. John Williamson from the Department of Veterinary Services was one of the first helping.

In four and a half years of Operation Noah 10 elephants were destroyed on islands so other game could be resuced. 23 elephants were guided from islands or were found swimming and guided to main land. Boyd Reese

Tommy Orford

Rupert Fothergill retired from the department in July 1972 and died 26th May 1975 at the age of 62.

What alot of great mean doing a great job.

Photos courtesy of my Mom, Kate Reese.