Two lions were ahead. I was
behind. As they rested under the shadow of a bush, I slowly got nearer them,
silently without seeking their attention as they played with each other. As I caressed
on their body for a while, suddenly one of them swung his head towards me,
making me jump to safety 3 feet away.
Others laughed.
In this era where the wild
animals are endangered with their reducing population, Lion Encounter, an
organization in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, provides some breath of space with
their clear agenda of conserving this species of Lion in Africa.
In the middle of the African jungle in
Zimbabwe, there lies a bounded area for upbringing of the lions where they are
bred, fed and grew up. There has been four different stages in this
conservation cycle, cubs being in Stage 1 and finally fully grown independent adult
being in Stage 4, where they are finally released in the jungle to live on
their own. The project apparently very new in Zimbabwe, the lions are yet to
reach Stage 4.
Lion
Encounter offers people the chance for a guided walk with this magnificent
species. The fees they charge the visitors
are used to run this upbringing.
Some interesting learning before
the walk:
1. Touch on the head is an insult
Humans find this insulting. The king of the jungle
will be ferocious if you ever slide your hand up its mane. So, if you ever want
a trouble free walk with them, rather be friendly and caress them on their back
in affection.
This
caressing is itself enough to make you feel accomplished if you have never been
so close with the wild king before.
2. Never walk
In front of them
You are at a
disadvantage to have the lions follow you. They could pounce on you any time
and cripple and feast on you. Follow the king rather than lead.
3. Never think
of being jolly with them
The animal
instinct of being playful like those of cats and dogs are plenty in the lion
and tigers as well. One might be tempted to create such moment with the king in
this short walk. Caution. As they become playful, so does their retractable 7-8
cm long claws moves forth and back. A
slight touch could leave deep incision on you tearing the skin apart.
Air with the
smell of blood would tempt the animal and the rest could be history.
4. Never be
left alone: Singleton is always vulnerable
and hence you should never part away from the group. As an experiment, when you
are in the zoo next time, try to remain alone away from the group and look at
an active tiger or lion. The animal will run towards you with all might looking
at all possible exit to pounce on you. (This is based on my experience in this
sanctuary where caged adult lion kept for breeding, looked delighted and made
the swiftest move seeing a loner lady viewing at them from one corner).
5. Carry a
stick always
One reason
is that they also fear pain to some extent. Another is to divert their
attention whenever they stare at you, by tapping the stick on the ground. (This stick is provided by the guide).
6. Camera always on of
course
If you are a
budding photographer or looking for one excellent shot, always keep your camera
on. The animals would pose as per their whims and fancies.
This is an experience one should
take in Africa. Not all African countries would provide this magnificent and
memorable walk. At the top of my list are South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia
where this arrangement for the tourists are available.
I have never heard or read about
such great walks in other continents. However the idea of conservation with
this model is an innovative way of saving the endangered species.
Cost – Varies from USD 120 to 160
depending on where the booking is done from. The hotels where you stay would
charge commission and hence you end up paying USD 160. Else, take a walk in the
market and reach the office of Lion Encounter to pay 120 USD.
There are so many incredibly beautiful scenes, but some places seems dangerous, wish you a good luck!!! London travel is also awesome to try
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