Lion Around (A Special Blog)

WOW, what a great adventure!

Well, today we have a special treat.  A response from a reader, Militza (Mitzi) Bunce van Rooyen, in South Africa inspired me to ask her to tell us about her experiences with animals, as there are so many where she lives.  This is her lovely story about her father:

The Lion Park

The best thing about the lion park near Johannesburg, is observing the majestic big cats in their natural habitat. I hate zoos with a passion; it’s like putting animals in jail when they haven’t done anything wrong. The rangers that work at the park truly care, and the animals look healthy and well taken care of. Along with the lions, there are cheetah, wild dogs, hyena, giraffe, a rare black leopard and a variety of game. Under strict supervision, they allow you to pet the lion cubs in a special enclosure. What a privilege. 

In the 80’s we used to visit the park often. My father always opted for the self-driving safaris, that way we could make our way around at our own pace. On one particular visit, we came across two women who had run out of fuel in the middle of the park. My father, being the chivalrous type, decided to help them.

It’s strictly forbidden to jump out the car in the park, for obvious reasons, and there was a pride of lions in the vicinity, relaxing in the midday heat. We all pleaded with him to find a ranger, so they could help the women instead. However, my father was adamant we couldn’t just leave them there while we searched. He told us not to worry, pulled up alongside their car, and climbed out.

Thankfully, lions are lethargic in the heat of the day, much like domestic cats. They merely shifted position slightly, and observed my father in a lackadaisical manner, as if to say: “What’s he up to?”

My father retrieved the fuel can from our boot, all the while keeping his eye on the lions, and made his way over to the other car. We bit our nails, our hearts in our throats, and scrutinized the lions for any sudden movements. The lions watched with mild interest as he poured the fuel in. I could see the women staring at my father with large eyes, as if he were crazy, but they mouthed thank you.

When he was safely back with us, we let out a collective sigh of relief. The lions flopped their heads down to continue their nap in the shade of the tree, sensing the human entertainment was over for the day.  

I was around eight at the time, and recall feeling proud of my father for his bravery, but also thinking he was incredibly reckless. 

But that’s Africa for you, LouLou – brave, beautiful and a tiny bit reckless.

Oh, that we could all be that way in our lives!!!

Do I look brave, beautiful and a tiny bit reckless?  Oh, I hope so!

Thank you so much, Mitzi.  You have made my/our day!!!