“She went from lifeless to leaping in just a few days —
and took over my heart in the process.”
The first night back at camp with Skiempie, I turned my tent into a full-on Nyala nursery. She was too weak to lift her head, so I held it gently as I fed her — just 20ml at first. Two hours later, she managed 50ml. By the third feed she guzzled down 150ml like a champ, and from that moment, everything changed.
She grew stronger with every feed. By day two she was standing. By day three, exploring. And by day ten, she was happily munching on sky-blue Plumbago flowers — her firm favourite.
My life quickly adjusted to hers. My tent became her sanctuary — complete with a cosy boma filled with Lucerne, fresh browsing plants like Cape Honeysuckle and Spekboom, and warm blankets. Winter nights were brutal, so I rotated hot water bottles under her bedding to keep her warm through the cold.
It wasn’t all easy. Every two hours I fed her, day and night. I even had to help her with basic functions, using a damp tissue to gently stimulate her. But slowly, she blossomed.
As she got braver, I introduced her to the outside world. I’d crouch next to plants, pretending to nibble on grass and Plumbago, just to show her what’s good to eat. She watched, learned, and soon, led the foraging herself.
She’s now a proper little wildling — bounding, bouncing, and surprising the Nyala herd around Forest Camp with her random bursts of speed and energy. She’s still a bit socially awkward, but they’re warming to her.
It’s been over a month of full-time care — feeding, cleaning, teaching, and watching her thrive. Luckily, Forest Camp was closed for maintenance and guest traffic was quiet, which gave me time to stay close. On days when I’m out on drives, Tayla steps in to help bottle-feed.
Watching Skiempie’s journey from fragile orphan to fearless explorer has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my guiding career. One day soon, she’ll head off on her own — joining the wild Nyala as one of them. Until then, I’ll be right here, cheering her on.
