My first official task was to learn the husbandry routine of
all the animals kept at the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ). This was followed
by a morning briefing discussing the days tasks, upcoming events and
correspondence with authors/contacts. There was also further talk of my duties
and a pop-quiz on the cryptozoological significance of the animals here at the
CFZ. I didn't do very well.
After this, I helped prepare trail cameras, and set them up
in the woods at Ashcroft Farm, to begin documentation of the animals that an
Alien Big Cat (ABC) can feed on in the area. Care was taken to place them in memorable places to aid in retrieving them next Thursday.
The local pub is under new ownership and is eager to have a
new look to the place. As a result, they wanted us to collect a fish tank and
bring the fish back to the CFZ. One fish proved reluctant to remove from the
tank and, by the time we had, it was the last fish to carry round to the
centre. This was left to me and I felt more responsible for this solitary fish
than throughout the rest of the task. It was in a tiny pot of water as I
carried it through the cold evening. I was worried that the stress and cold
would be too much for the poor thing. I’m happy to say that the fish survived
and is happy in its new home.
Much of the remainder of this day was spent helping Jon in
proof-reading journal articles and typing up his dictations, to be added to the
journal. There was also a break for a delicious meal served by his lovely wife, Corinna The day was topped off by a car-ride around Huddisford woods, in hopes
of sighting an ABC. Sadly, however, there was no action.
