FIELD REPORT
By Craig C. Downer, Wildlife Ecologist
and Elyse Gardner, Public Observer
January 2, 2010
Below are photos of the roundup that took place today (Saturday, January 2, 2009) showing how the captured band stallion, "Freedom," valiantly fought for and regained his liberty although he had to leave his family of 8 adult mares and 2 colts. Jumping a 6-foot fence and immediately thereafter breaking through a barbed wire fence and injuring himself, this was an awe-inspiring, do-or-die effort demonstrating the loathing of captivity to a wild horse and his need for freedom. We can only pray for his recovery from the injuries he sustained from the barbed wire.
By Craig C. Downer, Wildlife Ecologist
and Elyse Gardner, Public Observer
January 2, 2010
Below are photos of the roundup that took place today (Saturday, January 2, 2009) showing how the captured band stallion, "Freedom," valiantly fought for and regained his liberty although he had to leave his family of 8 adult mares and 2 colts. Jumping a 6-foot fence and immediately thereafter breaking through a barbed wire fence and injuring himself, this was an awe-inspiring, do-or-die effort demonstrating the loathing of captivity to a wild horse and his need for freedom. We can only pray for his recovery from the injuries he sustained from the barbed wire.
Before his escape, he became hung up by his front legs when he reared with all his might to attempt an escape from the narrow fenced area where he was being examined by Sue Cattoor and her wrangler.
Also included here are shots of the capture of his entire band, the 11 horses including Freedom himself.
More to come. Right now we are just sending stills. We have videos and interviews, but these photos really do capture the anguish and drama of the roundup for these majestic icons, our treasured American wild mustangs.
Photography by Craig C. Downer 1/2/10 11:11:46 a.m.
The capture of Freedom and his band by helicopter, 11 horses.
Photography by Craig C. Downer 1/2/10 11:11:58 a.m.
Band stallion, Freedom, in the lead. You can see the Judas horse, trained to run into the pens so the wild horses will follow, being released.
Photography by Craig C. Downer 1/2/10 11:23:34 a.m.
Desperate horses, Freedom and his family huddle together.
Photography by Elyse Gardner 1/2/10 11:28:48 a.m.
During examination, Freedom attempts escape and gets caught up on the fence.
Photography by Elyse Gardner 1/2/10 11:28:51 a.m.
Slipping as he struggles to free his upper leg from the fence.
Photography by Elyse Gardner 1/2/10 11:28:53 a.m.
Photography by Elyse Gardner 1/2/10 11:28:51 a.m.
Preparing first failed attempt to clear 6-foot fence to freedom. He fell on his back during this attempt but pressed on to try again...
Photography by Craig C. Downer 1/2/10 11:31:33 a.m.
Photography by Craig C. Downer 1/2/10 11:30:34 a.m.
Preparing for final herculean effort to clear 6-foot fence to freedom...
...only to have to crash through barbed wire...
Photography by Craig C. Downer 1/2/10 11:31:36 a.m.
...to a bittersweet return to freedom, for leaving his cherished family behind
