From Geraldton to the African Wild

[The following article by Ken Johnson was forwarded to me for posting in Greenstone History PLUS. All images below come from the film “Kifaru – the Black Rhinoceros” in archive.org.]

With the world heading for the abyss on all fronts, it’s inspiring to periodically find a ‘life story’ that has a major moral-boosting ring to it. The following post is an example of one family’s ‘can do’ efforts to save wildlife in Africa and thus prevent one particular species from disappearing – forever.

In mid-February, 1966, the Geraldton Times Star included an article that informed its readership that Dr. John Goddard and his wife Shelley (nee: Milner) … ‘were now living in Africa, on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a huge extinct volcano in the interior of Tanzania .. .’. John, prior to his move to Africa, was a Biologist on staff at the Ontario Department of Lands & Forests Geraldton District Office, The newspaper reported that he was actively involved with efforts to help preserve the survival of the well-known East African Black Rhinoceros. The position he filled, was one that ‘required exceptional dedication and a strong desire to preserve the animals from becoming extinct’.

Thankfully the efforts undertaken by John and Shelley, along with their two young daughters were recorded in living colour. Goddard’s findings/the family’s daily activities, were the subject of a premier special of the GE (General Electric) Monogram Series, which was shown on NBC-TV in November of 1970. The Metro-GoldwynMayer Studios Inc. documentary was titled – ‘Kifaru – The Black Rhinoceros’. The narrator was the well-known E.G. Marshall.

For those who would like to view the film – it can be accessed on line at Kifaru – The Black Rhinoceros – Internet Archive (archive.org). It consists of two parts – the 1st runs for 28 minutes; the 2nd has a run time of 24 minutes. Watching the family’s daily life adventure and related achievements while they lived out-of-doors, is definitely time well spent.

[Editor’s Note : I viewed only the first film but it was an exciting and fascinating experience.]