Our 5 Lions: July Update

Our brave, fearless and slightly crazy project manager Cila decided to sleep in the 3 lions camp with Clarence, Winnie and Nancy, all in the name of fundraising to help raise money to feed the animals. Thanks to all our supporters, a whopping N$10,029 was raised which is fantastic! And on the 3rd June Cila ventured in to the lion's den...

The entire process was meticulously planned.  Firstly our Wildlife Co-ordinators Jo and Tessa, headed to the opposite side of the camp with meat to try and distract the lions. Meanwhile, Cila packed out the back of a Toyota with her bedding for the night and crawled in while, Head Researcher, Flo, drove into the camp.


Flo then made a hasty exit from the camp, leaving Cila in the car and we all waited for the lions to come back over to see what was going on. It didn’t take long for the lions interest to be piqued and they were soon back on Cila’s side of the camp, observing the proceedings from the safety of the bushes.  The lions were initially very wary of the car and wouldn’t come near it, not even when we threw some treats into the camp for them (a horse’s head each – yum!) But once the sun went down the lions grew far bolder and ventured out of the bushes to eat the horses’s heads and have a snoop around Cila’s car. Fortunately after a few circuits of the car the lions decided they were more interested in finishing the horses’ heads and snoozing.

The car that she used had metal bars all the way around so Cila's safety was in no doubt.  There were staff that kept watch on the outside throughout the night, just in case the lions became a little too friendly.  However Clarence, Winny and Nancy did not get very close to the car and watched from a distance with curiosity and caution at their intruder. 

At 6.00am the next morning, Cila’s challenge was completed and it was time for her to exit the camp. Unfortunately the lions were also fully awake and were all keeping a firm eye on Cila and her support team outside the camp! Plus, after their feast of horses’ heads the night before, the lions weren’t very hungry and despite our best efforts, distracting them proved a little harder than before. Finally, after a rather nerve-racking 60 minutes, with the aid of some chicken, we were able to draw the lions away from Cila’s car long enough for her to drive out of the camp. 

Mission Accomplished!


Meanwhile in our 2 lion camp, Meatball's late night roars continue to be heard all throughout the night by volunteers and staff who live nearby. The sounds of his roars serve as a comforting lullaby sound for those familiar to it, and acts as stark welcome to Africa for new volunteers! Gobbolina seems to be continuously on heat for some reason and Meatball still decides to charge the fence every time the volunteers go to feed them daily. There's nothing like a reminder of the power these animals hold, when a male lion charges the fence at you!