Funny everyday life stories from the bush: Rhulani's manager Gerda tells us how much courage it took to get to her very first morning meeting.

"There have been so many moments over the past three years that I really do not know what to say …. Plus Alasdair already told a story about our elephant Bob two weeks ago. BUT – we all know, Bob is by far my ‘best friend’ in the reserve, so here goes:

My VERY FIRST morning at Rhulani, I wake up and get ready for my morning meeting with the staff. I check my watch and my timing is perfect. As I open my door to walk to the main area, there is a what felt like 7 ton elephant RIGHT in front of my door. That was the quickest I closed a door again!!!

My watch ticks on and I realise there is absolutely no way I can be late for my very first meeting with the staff, so I try and be brave and open my door again …. Elephant still there!!! In a quite squeaky voice I say 'Morning my boy' and this huge grey creature noisily blows air through his trunk and looks me straight in the eye.

Well, I broke my first record with the time it took me to close the door this time!!! After all – I do NOT speak “elephant” … is this guy greeting me or is he warning me? And the clock ticks …. I have to get to the meeting!! SO … I opened my door (again) – this time with NO hesitation, pulled my 'because I am your mother' voice from somewhere deep underneath my shaking nerves and said 'OK my boy – I need to go to work!!!' 

Again a huge noise as he blows air through his trunk, he shakes his head, ears flapping everywhere, turns around and walks off (ON the pathway none the less) and I got to the meeting on time.

The staff had a good giggle and their response was 'Oh its Bob'. After this Bob and I became good friends and he still sometimes visit."