Greetings everyone!
Another month has swiftly passed us, and we’re speeding on into August already! July was a chilly month for us on the reserve, as I’m sure it was for most of you.
Firstly, we would like to introduce our new Manager at Hlosi Chris Ferreira. He has settled in very well & we hope he will be part of the Lion Roars Team for a couple of years – at least!!!
We had an unexpected amount of divine rain, and it has really made a difference to everything around us. The vegetation is so green, and I’m sure the animals are grateful too! When the Aloes come out in flower, they are just so spectacular!
It seems every time I write my monthly letter there is a new addition – or about to be! As I promised, here is a special shot of Mum and baby! Just Note how tiny that little one is!
This month we have had fun & games with our Sub – Adult cheetahs. We had to dart them, as we are selling them, so we can bring in a new blood line. They have found a new home where they have similar values to us, so we are rest assured for their future.
We spent a good afternoon monitoring them and watching them before the Vets were happy. Once they were down all procedures were done as quick as possible, and then we loaded them onto the back of an open bukkie and were off to the boma. Once we got there the one woke up before the drug was administered to wake him up, so it was a bit of a shock to say the least when he got up! We were all told not to run, so I have to say that took courage from us all, but it was the right thing to do, as the sight of us all standing there kept him at bay. We all slowly backed out of the boma and we left the pair to themselves, as we watched quietly from outside. Once the Vets were satisfied the electric fence was switched on and we all went home. Electric fence or not electric fence – during the night they both jumped through the electrified strands and were free again!!!!
So needless to say a few days later the search began again, but this time we secured the fine better. We got the male easily enough, but the female was clever (as we are naturally!!) and after looking all morning we gave up. That night the boma next to the male was open – and she walked in herself, and we simply closed the gate in the morning!! So we have the pair safe in the Bomas and ready to go.
I took quite a few shots of the cheetah whilst the vets went about their business, and what really struck me is how beautiful these animals really are. The male and female are in such good condition and are particularly large for their ages.
I love this picture of the sub-adult male, the light captured his beauty so well. Then let us not forget our 2 cubs that are growing by the day and are full of nonsense! It is so funny to sit and watch them play! The stalk each other backwards and forwards and then one goes in for the kill!!
This picture was taken of Light foot, and I just thought it was a fantastic pose!
We’re always on the lookout for those rare creatures that you don’t see very often, and luckily Stuart got to show his guests this awesome sighting of an Aardwolf. I must say, in all the years I have worked in the bush, I have never seen one.
Here are 2 pictures taken of Dani & Kapela our black rhinos. These boys are very inquisitive and like to come up to the vehicle real close for a look-see. As you all know with black rhino’s, they can be very aggressive, so we’re always ready to reverse at high speed if need be!
On a very different note, Lion Roars has put in place an Employee of the Quarter award. This is extended to all the 5 Lodges / Guest House. The winner receives a certificate, a luxury hamper and a floating trophy. This quarter it was awarded to Bukela. The winners were Welle 1 & Welle 2. For those of you that know Bukela, it is our favourite twins that always strive for the best. Bukela has received a 100% guest satisfaction over the past 3 months, with no complaints, so we are very, very pleased to say the least!
We are looking forward to a very busy August, and we are full steam ahead already. So once again, thank you to all the agents who are sending us your guests.
Trip advisor also got some stunning reviews on our lodges, which has in turn sent us some new guests. A big cheer for the team!!
From us all Take care & catch up again at the end of this very busy month!
www.lionroars.com
