Lion Interaction

VIP Guests have the once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in certain Lion interaction programmes, arranged by Terra Nova in conjunction with the National Parks Boards.

In the past, one of our groups assignment was to assist in locating a pride of four Lion’s and then to separate the two almost fully grown younger ones and remove the radio collar on the male.

Guests first met with the professionals in charge who demonstrated the equipment which would be used. After sunset, using four open safari vehicles and spotlights, the search was on for the pride in fairly thick bush. Once the lion was spotted, the Head Ranger darted the animal who needed to be worked on. The lion was asleep within seconds. The group helped to lift the drugged Lion onto a canvas stretcher and then boards a pick-up truck. The group then transported the Lion a couple of kilometers away where he could be worked on without interference from the rest of the pride.. The radio collar on the Lion will be removed with the help of the group. Afterwards they were able to touch and feel the sleeping Lion. They were able to feel how sharp the Lion’s canines were and saw the size of his giant paws.

There was ample time to take pictures before the lion was returned to its original location and supervised by the National parks veterinarian while he “woke up”. Guests returned to the Lodge on an adrenalin-high after this most unusual experience.