While I was in Africa I had a number of amazing wildlife experiences, ranging from trekking to see Gorillas in the wild Rwandan mountains, to diving with Great White Sharks off the coast of South Africa. Those who know me will attest to the fact I am a massive cat lover. There are many different breeds of big cat that stalk the African landscapes, from the majestic (and very lazy) Lions, to the small tabby wild cats from which our house moggys are descended.

Many of these big cats are threatened throughout Africa, as human habitation moves increasingly into their hunting territories. Farmers who feel their livestock may be threatened, are often encouraged to shoot cats found in the area.

The Lion population is currently under threat from a massive increase in Feline Aids, and breeding programs have been set up throughout the continent in an attempt to stem the decrease in numbers.
I visited such a program at the infamous Antelope Park in Zimbabwe. The park makes money by letting tourists like myself walk and feed young lions in the program. Despite feeling very much like a tourist attraction, there is no getting away from the fact that you are walking alongside lions.

The two that I had the pleasure of taking a stroll with, were a 16month old brother and sister who were very close to entering the next stage of the program. They themselves would never be able to be released into the wild, having been brought up in captivity. Through breeding them in semi wild conditions, a few generations down the line, the keepers hope that their offspring will one day join their cousins in the wild.

Both cubs were very playful, with the young lady climbing trees and generally being abit mischievous. Her brother was a little more mellow, still with the spots on his coat that lion cubs have. After walking them for an hour within the parks boundaries, we returned them to their enclosure, before returning a little later to feed them.

In Tanzania, at the Serengeti National Park we were treated to a sighting of a leopard in the wild. Leopards are notoriously hard to spot, due to their nocturnal habits and amazing camouflage. Our leopard was found sitting on top of a rock, surveying the multitude of safari vehicles that had encompassed it. Despite the hordes of other people in the vicinity, it was still a very special moment, made better only by the fact that I was wearing my lucky Primark leopard print scarf.

While visiting Namibia towards the end of the trip, I visited a cheetah sanctuary. The Cheetahs were all rescued from varies regions of the country, many after being shot by farmers. Cheetah Park rehabilitates wild Cheetahs, but is unable to re-release them into the wild due to lack of suitable areas within Namibia, and a ban on live animal exports to other countries. This means that the park itself struggles to finance the project, and is now home to over thirty cats.

We were lucky enough to meet a couple of the Cheetahs that had been born and brought up in captivity. They were incredibly friendly and tolerant, allowing us to stroke them, and even purred when we hit their favourite spot!

There are so many wildcat species in the world; it is going to take me a long time to be able to visit them all. I guess I shall have to make do with my adopted moggies at home. Miss you Toska, Rosie and Dilly!