Continuing with Cats

I personally do not like to see wild animals caged, but Tenikwa does give you the opportunity to get up close and personal. Like this pair of Caracals. We did stumble across one at the Addo Elephant Park a while back, and it was a joy to see. These animals are persecuted by farmers and are very shy and seldom seen.



The Serval was not vey cooperative and was determined not to allow us to get a decent phograph. Yes, even wild cats are wonderfully perverse creatures.

Walking with Cheetahs

At the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, we had the opportunity to walk with the Cheetahs.

They look like cats.........................

They purr like cats........................maybe a little louder...............

They have paws like dogs...............................................


It was a great experience to be walking with these big spotted felines.

Zwelakhe

Zwelakhe, the leopard is one of the orphans at the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre. He is nine months old and already quite a handsome fellow.

His was the only cat enclosure we were not allowed to enter, because he is already quite big and is very playful and according to our guide can be quite rough. I was therefore happy not to go into his enclosue, as I do not want to be played with by a leopard. I have also heard that leopards do not teach their cubs to hunt, it comes natuarally to them.

Many farmers still trap and kill leopards, but organizations such as Tenikwa are doing a lot to educate farmers to rather capture and relocate them.

Meet Edwina

Edwina the Marabou Stork really gives a new meaning to the word "ugly" - in a comical way. Lets face it she is no beauty, but she has character.
If you want to meet her she resides at the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre at the Crags, near Plettenberg Bay. Tenikwa is noted for being a wild cat sanctuary, but I can't resist the birds.

After our tour with the wild cats we went into the bird sanctuary and then discovered that Edwina is not only ugly, she is also vey friendly. Just give an invitation and she will climb on your lap.

This was more fun than stroking the cheetahs. The only problem is that when you get up to leave she nips at your rear end.



I will post some cat pictures soon.