January 9, 2002

Out of Africa

Marty Cotanche recounts safari trip for students

By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer
       Seventh-grade geography students at Traverse City East Junior High took a trip to Africa last week, without ever leaving their classroom.
      When Marty Cotanche of Traverse City paid a visit, he brought with him a variety of items collected on his African safaris, the latest of which was just last April. He also shared the vast knowledge he has gained during his visits to seven African countries.
      "There is a distinct difference between the bush and cities, most of the villages we stayed in are living the same way they did 300 years ago - no electricity, thatched huts, very few possessions," said Cotanche describing the villages he stayed in while hunting game.
      "There are huge differences between each of the countries and even within the counties themselves. Like in Ethiopia, there are over 80 languages spoken there," he said.
      Cotanche, a veteran big game hunter, brought a display of trophy heads, including cape buffalo, bush buck and wart hog, along with several handmade tools, jewelry and woven items he has picked up on his trips. He also shared a video showing a rhino hunt he participated in. The rhino was tranquilized while blood was drawn and a computer chip was placed on his horn before being released.
      He stressed that animals killed during the hunt were given to the locals, who used every bit of meat available. He also explained the tight controls the government has placed on which animals can be taken including charging large fees, up to $10,000 for an elephant, for each animal killed.
      "Because the tribal leaders get a portion of the hunting fees, there is an incentive to eliminating poaching," he said.
      Students were also shown a slide show featuring photos of primitive villages as well as the natural terrain and wildlife.
      "I liked seeing the differences between the areas he talked about, things are so much different there," said student Brittany Ickes.
      Cotanche will add to the collection of artifacts and stories he can share when he visits Argentina later this month. He also plans to return to Africa in 2005.
      "There is still a lot I want to see and do," Cotanche said. " I always have plans in mind for my next trip."