South Africa loves animals.
There are a number of ranches, centres and sanctuaries that do wildlife conservation, research and rehabilitation along with programs that give you a chance to "see the animals up close". We stopped at three of these places during our travels.
Our first stop was Cango Wildlife Ranch. It's a small zoo but they have all of the big cats and their focus is on cheetahs. They have a litter of eight week-old cheetahs that we saw up close.
Our second stop was the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre. They take in injured or abandoned animals. They also offer tours where you can see lots of cats and walk into the cages of some.
We got really close to two juvenile cheetahs. They were relaxing from the mid-day heat.
There are a few residents at Tenikwa that aren't cats.
Our last stop was the Elephant Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides a temporary home for young elephants until they are old enough to be released into the wild.
Still more to come from South Africa.
Vanessa and Blake
There are a number of ranches, centres and sanctuaries that do wildlife conservation, research and rehabilitation along with programs that give you a chance to "see the animals up close". We stopped at three of these places during our travels.
Our first stop was Cango Wildlife Ranch. It's a small zoo but they have all of the big cats and their focus is on cheetahs. They have a litter of eight week-old cheetahs that we saw up close.
Our second stop was the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre. They take in injured or abandoned animals. They also offer tours where you can see lots of cats and walk into the cages of some.
 |
| Caracal - looks like a lynx but they're not related |
 |
| Serval |
 |
| Leopard's hunting stare - no getting in the cage with this guy |
We got really close to two juvenile cheetahs. They were relaxing from the mid-day heat.
 |
| Sleepy cats |
 |
| Still sleeping |
 |
| Waking up? |
 |
| Nope - just shifting to a shadier spot |
 |
| Asleep again |
 |
| Posing for a close-up |
 |
| A perfect "downward dog" - a yoga and pilates stretch |
 |
| Brushing up against Blake's leg |
There are a few residents at Tenikwa that aren't cats.
 |
| Meerkat |
 |
| Leopard tortoise |
Our last stop was the Elephant Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides a temporary home for young elephants until they are old enough to be released into the wild.
 |
| With our new friend Jabu |
 |
| The skin behind theirs ears is where elephants cool off |
 |
| Checking her teeth |
 |
| Taking her for a walk - you feel the breath from the trunk on your hand |
 |
| Feeding time - elephants love carrots |
 |
| Going for a ride - no saddle, only a towel |
 |
| Hopping on |
 |
| Blake wished he stretched before riding |
 |
| They walk faster than you think |
 |
| Elephants get a brush down after the ride |
 |
| Happy rider and happy elephant |
 |
| One more cute meerkat photo |
Still more to come from South Africa.
Vanessa and Blake
