The link to the website is here:
There were sooo many options presented to us and after deciding I was going to 'just have a facial and nothing more' I then signed up to the full package, and it was so worth it!
Included in my package was the following:
- the ALERT program introduction and viewing the facilities
- lion cub interaction
- lion walk
- horseback safari; and
- lion feeding.
The first on the list was the program introduction - which was perfect to start with. We walked through the facilities and were shown the lions of various ages/stages in the program. Our guide was so knowledgable and told us so many interesting facts. It was fascinating to walk amoung (behind the fence of course!) the wild lions who would have LOVED to have us for breakfast!
Just look at those hungry eyes!!! The man who funds/runs the farm actually lost his arm to one of his lions and they have had a couple of injuries in the past, but they keep you well informed of all the safety procedures in order to ensure these don't happen again.
We had Pete in our group, who had contracted a foot infection and was being pushed around in a wheel chair, and immediately the lions 'sensed' this weakness and ran to the fence. They were intrigued by him and jumped and growled at the fence, which made our tour fabulous! Thanks Pete ;)
After this tour my heart was racing and I was so excited for the lion cub encounter! In our little group it was Dave, Cat, James, Lulu and I - we were so lucky that the little cubs were up on the platform when we arrived which was the perfect height to be able to stroke them, and the perfect setting to ensure you can approach from all angles (it is very important to only approach from behind otherwise they take eye contact as a challenge and might become aggressive).
The cubs are used to human contact, but they are still wild animals and I ended up with a few scratches and claw marks on my arm - I still have the scars! They are very confident and strong willed, so when they started to misbehave a little we were told to quickly move away until they had relaxed again. I know we seem very calm but they were actually quite scary, even though they were only a few months old!
Next was the lion walk where you go on a daily walk with the lions who are about 12 to 18 months old. They are at an age where they are encouraged to hunt and to become more 'wild'. Just a few guests at a time are allowed to go out and walk with them at sunrise and sunset while they chase the zebra and impala. This was also quite scary as the lions are now at an age where they can attack without much warning and so there are so many rules you must follow to ensure you are safe!
The next morning was the lion feeding. The lions are given bits and pieces from various animals, collected from the local farmers... It is disgusting, it smells and you feel ill just looking at it - but wow - what a performance! The lions all run towards the meat and the less dominant males will grab a piece and settle far away from the original spot. The more dominant males will fight for the meat and eventually one will win, who sits and eats until he is full. He will then move off and the others will move in and have their portion too.
We were so close to the fighting males and Emma even got intestine juice splattered across her face! That made me feel so sick but I didn't want to miss out on the action so stayed right up against the fence to make sure I didn't miss a thing ;) one of the male lions attacked me while I was filming and I absolutely pooped myself! Makes for a good movie but I was terrified!
The last activity was to go on a horse back safari, which was fun, but no where near as exhilarating as the other activities!
Our friend did the elephant encounter and seeing that - I wish I had of chosen that instead! She had such fun with them and got some one on one attention with them. It looked amazing, but I am sure I will have some elephant time soon in Asia!
Antelope park, as I said, was definitely a highlight for us all and I would recommend to anyone who passes through Zim! It was truly and amazing experience to be so close to the King of the Jungle!
What amazing memories!!
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