“Just stand there and don’t move,” instructed our guide. I glanced at the line he drew in the dirt with his stick and questioned why three lions would respond to such an artificial boundary. My own dogs often disregard me, so why would lions behave differently? Panic surged through me as the gate swung open, allowing two female and one male lion to dash up the path like playful puppies. Nevertheless, this wasn’t their first outing, and they ignored us completely as they ventured into the bush.
I tend to be skeptical about animal experiences. I often worry that such activities either benefit the animals or, in the worst-case scenario, could be detrimental to their well-being. Having had bad experiences in the past, I approach wildlife interactions with caution. This mindset made my visit to Ukutula Lion Park, located outside Johannesburg, South Africa, a bit unsettling for me.
Being naturally skeptical, I question the intentions behind animal sanctuaries that involve tourists. However, based on my research and observations, Ukutula appears to be a legitimate research and breeding facility. Their mission revolves around studying genetics and enhancing lions’ immunity to various diseases, ultimately aiming to improve the overall lion population in the country. Ukutula offers several programs for the public, including voluntourism and day visits. I was there for a day visit to witness the lion program firsthand and experience a walk with the lions in their natural setting.
Ukutula spans an impressive 260 hectares, providing ample space for the lions to roam. The experience is fairly straightforward: the lions walk down a designated path alongside their ranger, while tourists (including myself) follow at a safe distance. The lions have the freedom to explore the bush, hunt, and indulge in their natural instincts. At certain points, the ranger does feed the lions raw meat, likely to enhance the photography opportunities for tourists.
On several occasions, the lions paused to observe us, leaving me to wonder about their thoughts. I never felt threatened, and despite the somewhat orchestrated nature of the experience, the lions appeared content and engaged. Yet, I acknowledge that I could be mistaken, as I have been in the past.
However, a visit to Ukutula offers much more than just walking with lions. After our walk, we had the chance to visit the nursery, a delightful hub of cuteness. Cuddling a baby lion was a remarkable experience I will always cherish. Interestingly, the park also houses tigers, which are not native to Africa. These tigers were rescued from a private farm where they were mistreated. They have since had cubs, and watching the lion and tiger babies interact in the nursery was a heartwarming sight. Holding them was a delightful experience as well.
Ukutula also features a variety of other big cats, such as lynxes and leopards, which play a vital role in educating visitors and finding ways to help these species thrive in the wild.
In conclusion, I enjoyed my time at the sanctuary, even though my skepticism lingered. My concerns about wildlife conservation make me cautious about any experience with animals, and that sentiment does not reflect negatively on Ukutula. In fact, they appear to be doing everything right. Conveniently located less than an hour from Johannesburg and Sun City, a visit to Ukutula makes for a perfect day trip; however, nothing can compare to experiencing one of South Africa’s many natural reserves.
Would you consider walking with lions in the bush?
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