Running them on a lure enables them to practice hunting and keep that aspect of their natural instincts in place. The other type of stimulation training involves running the big cats through an obstacle course that requires and prompts the big cats to jump up on various sized boxes to work their muscles and maintain their overall fitness.
It sounds circusy and performance but it does so much for the animals muscles and tendon growth which is vital for long-term health.
The type of animal work changes each week and is subject to changing depending on weather and most of all, how the animals are feeling. Simple as that. The animals in which volunteers get to physically work and interact with closely is the 3 lion cubs Malakai KaiKai or Kai , Nairobi, and Malia The three elephants Three, Martie and Hannah and the horses.
There are animals such as the horses, the donkeys, the servals and the zebras who you can get close enough to pat but that interaction is nothing compared to the one you experience with the lions and the elephants.
For the lion cubs, interactions are allowed purely because they have been born and raised in captivity. They have known and understood human contact and have grown up with it. So obviously we proceed with caution and awareness of their movements and behaviour.
And we are never around them without the supervision and guidance of any of the trained crew. As volunteers we are inducted and informed on how to proceed cautiously with the interaction of the lion cubs. Our interactions mainly revolve around being in their presence within an open and unguarded space where the cubs are free to roam near and around us.
This was one of the perks I adored and treasured hugely. It was absolutely amazing to be walking alongside one of the most beautiful and biggest creatures on this earth, especially in an environment where they are not forced or tamed to behave a certain way. Morning Elephant Walks:. I really admire the fact that at Glen Afric we can still participate in animal interactions whilst remaining ethical and respective to the lives of the wildlife.
All my interactions have been within natural and unforced environments where the animals are at ease within their own nature.
Cub Enrichment Program:. All the animal work tasks have been amazing in their own way however my all-time favourite part of the whole volunteer experience was definitely the cub enrichment program. This is a program that occurs weekly where volunteers get to go into the camp in small groups in which the 3 lion cubs live and basically play with them, provide them with lots of love and social interaction.
They are such loving and playful animals, plus any sort of stimulation to get them active and moving is vital and beneficial for their growth and maturation. Morning Lion Walks:. Similar to the elephant walk, we volunteers also spent a few times accompanying the 3 lion cubs Malia, Nairobi and KaiKai on their walk out and about the bushland of the reserve. Another segment of the cub enrichment program is taking the cubbies out for some stimulation training.
Each cub will get a few rounds of running the obstacle course where they will run and jump boxes to activate and work their muscles and tendons. Boma Nights:. BOMA is when volunteers and project leaders join together for some light hearted beverages never light hearted and a bit of a boogie! The list of things to do and see here are never ending! I was here for 4 weeks in total, so I was lucky and got the chance to have a lot of fun. I can pretty much tick off half the things on my bucket list!
Bloody Hell! I got to feed wild buffalos and rhinos during a night game drive!! Since the week of my arrival, Living with Big cats program had integrated another volunteering task that occurs externally to the Glen Afric reserve and involves visiting the local animal shelter Harties Animal Welfare Society H.
S Every friday of every week a maximum of 20 volunteers will venture to the animal shelter to socialise with animals and show them care and love. Before arrival at the shelter, us volunteers stop off by the local supermarket SPAR to purchase any goods and food that is useful to the dogs and cats at the shelter. Most of us buy cat food and dog food along with a few pet tools and pet bowls to assist with the care and wellbeing of sheltered animals.
It felt beyond incredible to have been able to provide all these animals in need with the loving care and attention that they long for and deserve. All experiences have been amazing in their own way.
It has completely and utterly stolen my heart. The people, the animals, the love and the positive atmosphere have all drew me deeper and deeper in awe with this place as the days rolled on by. Friends who I know will be friends for life despite how much distance separates. The list of countries to visit has expanded immensely after my month of volunteering.
I have loved every moment of shovelling shit into bigger piles of shit despite how shitty it was, the people made every second of it worth a thousand smiles. I had never thought cleaning up poo could be such a fun job until I came here! I would recommend this volunteering program to anyone who has a big love for animals and wildlife conservation. The residential animals here are given all the love and care in the world and are so very lucky to be in the care of such incredible people.
I can confidently say that this is a place that is true to their intentions of helping rehabilitate and rescue animals for the animals own benefits. Family Cottage 1 unit. Room information x 3 main is Double or Twin.
Description: This luxury cottage has 3 bedrooms and sleeps up to 6 people. Overlooking the Hippo Dam, this cottage is the ideal bush break away for the family. Reviews of Glen Afric Country Lodge. Lorette Marinus 30 December Miki 29 May See all 13 reviews. Pictures of Glen Afric Country Lodge. English Afrikaans. Leisure facilities:. In all rooms:. In some rooms:. Kids policy:. Children age 13 and over are charged as adults. Send them an email. Our chalets feature double or single bed as requested , separate shower and washing area,….
Named after the many pink pepper trees growing on the river banks of the reserve, under one of which this cottage sits. Pepper Tree Cottage is perfect for families looking for extra outdoor space. The rustic cottage features garden with patio seating and large outside fire perfect for those starlit nights around the campfire. Glen Harry Game Reserve Accommodation. Lifelong memories await. Seamlessly blending the natural surroundings.
Book Now. Spacious Rooms. The cotton percale bed linen, and sumptuous towels provided, are of the highest quality. Communal lounge, bar and dining areas. Choose your accommodation.
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