This afternoon the animals had handlers who motivated and controlled them with scraps of buffalo meat. Having introduced us to the lions we were then invited to stroke the white lion cubs as well as pose for a picture with Steve the Guide whilst one of the cubs looked on from a branch overhead. The handlers demonstrated how well the animals could climb trees and the cubs played and romped happily within a few feet and even wandered between our legs if they spotted something interesting.
The animals are all trained form about 3 months and are used for these walks for up to 4 years. The moment, however, they start to ignore their handlers or show any signs of aggression they are withdrawn and used in other parts or the park where guests can enjoy ‘drive throughs’ in safari vehicles or they are sent to other game parks for captive breeding.
The pair of cubs with which we mingled this afternoon are still with their mother and are returned to her after every walk.
OK these animals are semi-tame and you could argue that it is exploitation but for me it was a real privilege and joy to be so close to these wonderful animals.
The postings bring you some more shots of this wonderful experience – enjoy – I did!
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