Walking on the Wild Side!
… a volunteer’s account of life at the Cheetah Experience
Having travelled to South Africa 3 years ago as a volunteer in the province of Limpopo region, I had been eager to return to this beautiful land to see the vast range of wonderful animals that habit here.
Upon seeing the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) interview with Riana van Nieuwenhuizen, while the football world cup was in play, I was in awe and without any hesitation knew that this was the place for me. Within 3 weeks of seeing the interview, I was signed up, flights booked and ready to go!
Of course, I had visited many Zoos and game parks in the UK – and in Europe – but never had I ever envisaged the experience that I was going to get at the Cheetah Experience.
As I flew into Bloemfontein airport I imagined what would be waiting for me and what delightful residents they would have at the Cheetah Experience. I have always had a passion for the big cats; cheetah, lion, leopard and so on.
I was met and greeted by Riana – a very passionate lady who I could sense was totally dedicated to all her cats and the survival of the cheetah species.
A short car journey and we arrived at the gates of the sanctuary. My heart stopped at the shear excitement of eventually arriving here. Riana wanted to introduce me to all their residents. I was first introduced to the two adult lions, Jubatus and Achillus, then onto the two wild adult lions, Freckles and Roxy and the two wolves who shared their enclosure, Nikita and Shakira. This was followed by three beautiful leopards and next to them was a Serval called Kitana. My heart was racing as we walked to another part of the camp. Upon seeing a lone cheetah called Thato, who looked at me with her big soft brown eyes, she just melted my heart. Once past high metal gates, two four-month old lion cubs came running up to greet me. I couldn’t believe it, I could actually stroke them, cuddle them and sit with them – no enclosure netting! This was the start of my magical experience at the Cheetah Experience and one which just got better and better.
I was introduced to the team who work very closely with Riana, each of them shared Riana’s commitment, passion and dedication for the animals. The volunteers who come and share the experience – whether it me from overseas or within South Africa, all are like-minded people sharing the dream of working with the big cats, ensuring the survival of endangered species and those who need love, care and attention.
One particular day I remember well. It was a few days after I had started my 3-week assignment and at the end of the day when we were all having our evening meal in the kitchen that an adult cheetah walked quite relaxed and not a care in the world through the back door into the kitchen, passed the back of me where I was sitting, through the living room on to the bedroom. Well, the rush of adrenalin was exhilarating – not through fear but from shear excitement and amazement of seeing a cheetah actually so close to me and in the kitchen! Riana asked if I wanted to lay on the bed with the cheetah – who was actually Thato, the one who initially looked at me with those big brown eyes of hers when I first arrived. Of course, not one to be asked twice, I got up and entered the room where she lay. Thinking how beautiful she is and how I am used to lying with my cat on the bed back home, but this was somewhat different! I gingerly eased myself gently onto the bed to lie with her. She didn’t seem to mind this stranger positioning themselves next to her and I just hoped that she felt comfortable with this, as I felt honoured to be with her.
She allowed me to stroke her and in doing so she started to purr. It was exhilarating! I looked at the size of her, and her beauty. Her long body – so elegant. She had the most wonderful long eyelashes and brown eyes that just draw you in.
The cheetah who stole my heart was Bibi. The most gentleist of creatures, so patient and was perfectly happy with me sitting with her, talking and stroking her.
I had many very special and unforgettable memories, not least of which is the time I spent with two female lion cubs, only 6-7 weeks old at the time (Je T’aime and Jade) – hand feeding and giving lots of cuddles.
Another memorable moment was, at different times, walking tiger and leopard cubs around the camp (both on leads!). My time with the white lion cub called Acinonyx always bring a smile to my face. Coming up to a couple of months old, he is truly a sweetheart and doesn’t stop talking. He loves his walks around the sanctuary – when the other lion cubs are not around!
The room accommodation was ample, a double bed with fresh bed linen was provided, wardrobe, TV, microwave, kettle with plenty of tea and coffee. The en-suite bathroom provided that extra comfort factor, and housed a washing machine for ones own laundry. The room also provided sufficient plug sockets for topping up mobile phones, camera, camcorders and so on – all of which I topped up daily from all the use they got during different parts of the day and evening.
There are always different tasks to do and time goes by so fast.
So, if you are a student on a gap year, working in an office and want to get away from it all or you are simply looking for something quite different and you have a passion for the big cats, then this is in no doubt for you. You will get so close and personal with all the residents that you will never want to leave. And when you do, you will be back, I can assure you!
Here is the place to be… Cheetah Experience.
Nikki Alexander
August 2010
