25/02/2026
The tragic end of Afton’s mascot - Shaka
It all began as a bargaining chip by great friends, Virginia and Ken Moody, because I was wanting them to bring their clients to Afton. Trying to find a home for a stray cat, that had wandered into their camp one rainy night – unbeknown to me, it came down to Virginia saying, “If you take Shaka, you can have our business.”
The start of a great friendship and a very welcome addition to our lives at Afton. Named after the Zulu Chief, Shaka (we called him Sharkie) soon captured hearts old and young.
He loved company; was loyal to all who gave him attention, food, or shared their bed. Room 3 was his favorite but he was not loyal to which room he was in either. He killed birds (which I was not a fan of) brought in rats, geckoes, (which Elize would be terrified of) loved rubbing himself against the elephant dung in the trophy room – but it was his swagger. I haven’t seen a cat strut with such attitude. But he did. Any time of day or night that I’d drive back home into Afton, you’d be greeted with his calling out and he’d come a swaggering.
Writing this midway of a long USA trip, it hasn’t completely hit home what’s happened, but it will be when I get back.
Last night some neighbor shot him with a pellet gun. Incredibly cruel, almost impossible to comprehend, but that’s the sick fact. He spent the night in the vet emergency. With too much internal bleeding and unable to manage the surgery needed, Meg, my oldest daughter Meg, coordinated a video call with me and Jodie, my other daughter, earlier today, 6am California time. Nick was writing a test. Meg was in the unenviable position of being by his side, at the local vet to help him be relieved of his suffering. Elize was too distraught.
It was the only option, and it is such a difficult thing to do, saying goodbye to a wonderful pet.
For those who passed through, young and old, who loved Shaka, and fondly remember him, this was important to share; the passing of our magnificent Afton mascot – Sharkie! When you come back, there will be a picture of him as we remember him – but for now – I wanted to share this tragic news. Love Rich
