Duma - January 2011

The day of Duma's big move finally came on 27th November! It was a very exciting day for us all at N/a'an ku se as we couldn't wait to see this beautiful leopard roam in the wide open space she deserves. 

Happy New Year from the N/a'an Ku Sê Lions

Gobbolina is currently on heat so poor old Meatball is thoroughly preoccupied and has been off his food for a while. He is also being surprisingly quiet with very little roaring at night which is very unlike Meatball! He is usually such a vocal animal, particularly at night!

However Meatball’s appetite appeared to be coming back as he managed to wolf down two whole chickens in a matter of minutes today!

Clarence and his two lionesses, Winnie and Nancy, are all very well. As it is currently so hot during the day all 3 lions are spending most of their time lying in the shade of the long grass and the trees in order to keep cool. They do still have their full appetites though, despite the heat, and are always ready and eager at feeding time!

The Lions - August 2010

When comparing Meatball to the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight, there are no real comparisons. Meatball can be heard from the volunteer accommodations almost every night roaring so we don't think there is much sleeping! 

When volunteers walk up to feed him his favourite delicacy (animal heads) he comes prancing up to the fence like a little kitten getting its cat food. 

Duma - Sept 10

Duma got her yearly rabies vaccination on 16 August 2010. 

One day after feeding her Cila spotted her playing with the meat – tossing it into the air constantly, just like young kittens do when they are playful!

Duma's very excited as her new camp is well underway and we hope she will soon be moving into this large new enclosure.

Wild Dogs - May 2010

The two wild dogs continue to delight both volunteers and guests who visit them on tour. They are the most reliable of animals, always appearing for feeding and viewing, and seem to enjoy being photographed. 

Most people when first viewing these lovely animals are amazed at the intricacy of the patterns of their coats, the colours blending and contrasting in exquisite complexity.

It is a beautiful sight to watch them prancing around in anticipation of food. Their huge ears and long, graceful legs give them a dancer-like appearance.

We know that they are the most successful of hunters, tracking their prey with ruthless organisation and concentration. Yet of all the carnivores at N/a’an ku se, they seem the most modest in their eating, taking their meat off to consume in private.

Meatball and Gobbolina - May 2010

The magnificent brother and sister are in their prime, as the sunlight ripples off their lithe, muscled bodies. It really is a treat to see them treading oh-so-deliberately through the long grass at the sound of a vehicle or, better still, human feet. 

Duma - May 2010

Duma is beautiful as ever and is growing into a big strong leopard. She is almost fully grown now and when the staff and volunteers visit her each day for feeding, she jumps up excitedly to greet them.