Go wild with Wez (Kariba) at Pagoma Grill

This article was written by Donette Read Kruger on 15 May, at 02 : 53 AM

Winning the Oscar 2002 for the best environmental documentary, “Winged Migration” is still the most extraordinary template on birding migration to date – a subject seemingly taking the world by storm – and, to the delight of WEZ members, this amazing DVD has finally arrived in Zimbabwe!

Directed by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud, this classic documentary film on the migratory patterns of birds flying around our seven continents took four years in the making.

These two genius Frenchmen used model aircraft beautifully painted as birds which tiny machines flew in amongst the birds themselves.

They were also filmed from microlights, hot air balloons, helicopters and other forms of aircraft.

As a result, birding enthusiasts find themselves laughing at their mating antics or holding their breath (as did Dr. Nduku) while watching our dying breed of feathered friends struggle with the elements and pollution; viewers will on occasion reach for the communal tissue box as they weep in horror while watching the realities of a flock of ducks – having flown over 15,000+/- miles – shot down by hunters who entice the flock to its death with deftly hand-carved and commercial bird whistles.

The classical tones of the haunting music which enhances the endless motion of these winged creatures, is beautifully poignant and hynotic.

Watch for the small boy at the pond at the beginning of winter, who emerges again at the end of this film in spring!

And, for the old lady who lives in a stone cottage on her own, the storks who annually choose to take a rest in her fields, while en route around the world,they appear to be her only visitors.

Organised by the Kariba Members of WEZ, (Wildlife & Environment of Zimbabwe) there was no fee for its first viewing approved of by Costa Tsunga at Pagoma Grill, Kariba on Monday, 23rd April.

How can anyone place a cost on sharing education and the beauty of wildlife in this manner?

Attended by National Parks & Wildlife, the Kariba Town Council, Zimra, the elders of the community (including the Chief Engineer of the Kariba Dam Wall, Cde. Charles Bhebhe, and Mervyn Rollinson), along with WEZ’s own Youth Wing, there was standing room only – yet not one cellphone ringing interrupted the entire evening!

Even for ‘twitchers’ it is not possible to absorb the details of this film all at once; the first viewing of this detailed and complicated documentary, began at 3.00 p.m. and finally finished late into the late evening after a third encore!

From here, it is winging its way (to the delight of WEZ members) to other branches throughout Zimbabwe.

This evening’s success has proved that there is a definite demand in Kariba for genuine wildlife documentaries, so if you are visiting Kariba and have a favourite DVD to share on a Monday, encompassing the habits and antics of any wildlife, do not hesitate to contact the Manager, at Pagoma Grill, Carlton Makwasha prior to your arrival (0772106505) and reserve a slot on Monday afternoon for sound checks etc.

Happily, Carlton will in turn immediately contact the resident WEZ members of Kariba and the other interested members of the Community, but be warned – if you intend sharing your favourite wildlife DVD with devotees in this manner – there will be standing room only, so take your own deck chair and, please, remind everyone to switch off their cellphones!

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