Ruark recently completed his Cybertracker track and sign level 2 grading. He follows in the footsteps of Moholoholo Mountain View Game Reserve’s manager, Colin Patrick’s children, Samantha and Tristan, who were nine and eight respectively in 2008 when they completed their qualifications. Ruark’s proud parents, Robbie, and Julie Bryden are both trackers at the Moholoholo Mountain View Game Reserve. Julie told the Herald that she and Ruark’s dad have lived and worked in the bush most of their lives.

“Ruark has lived his entire life in the bush. We lived in the Kruger National Park on the border of Mozambique where we worked as trackers, so he has been tracking sitting on my shoulders or on my back looking over my shoulders since he was a little boy,” she said. “Given that it’s in a field that we as parents are both very passionate about, makes it extra special. Tracking is stressful and for him to embark on it at his age, and to be able to maintain dedication, focus, and concentration for a whole day is a great achievement.”

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She said they hope he will continue advancing through the levels as it is something he is interested in. Ruark’s assessor, Samantha Patrick, a track and sign specialist, and Cybertracker assessor said that she loved how focussed Ruark was throughout his evaluation. She said there are four Cybertracker levels. “When a person gets 70-79% they receive level 1, 80-89% level 2, 90-99% level 3, and professional level at 100%. Ruark received 80% and was placed at level 2.”

She said his focus throughout the day was incredible to see. “Even most adults find the evaluation day difficult to handle but he went through all the questions with confidence and when it came to discussing the tracks, his brain soaked up all the information,” she said. Those who are interested in tracking courses and assessments can email Moholoholo Mountain View Game Reserve at colinpatrick.training@gmail.com or at 076 602 4914.