Bunnyaddict
Wise Old Thumper
Some of you may remember that last November I was lucky enough to be able to spend just over 3 weeks as a volunteer at an animal sanctuary called Harnas in Nambia. The sanctuary basically rescues all sorts of African wildlife that have been abused, neglected, orphaned or even bought as pets! - including cheetahs and lions - many of which are just dumped on their doorstep. As the animals cannot be released back into the wild because of how they have come to be at the sanctuary - it is a safe haven for them to live out the rest of their days in peace and safety. Not ideal I know as the animals should really be in the African wilderness, but it is the next best thing for them.
The sanctuary is 10,000 hectares in size, so is nothing like a zoo - it's a huge reserve that basically looks after their every need. It's family run and they do a wonderful job, given that they are funded by donations and volunteers.
Mark bless him was an absolute star and stayed at home to look after our bunny brood and cats, whilst I went off on my own.
I've been looking at my photos again tonight as I'm going to a reunion in Derby tomorrow to meet up with the friends that I made there. I realised I'd never shared any of my photos with you guys - so thought I'd post some - hope you like them.
Me with Zion the lion, one of the lions they have hand reared.
Hanging out with the cheetahs, including sleeping out with them at night
Goeters, the elderly looking cheetah is 28 years old bless him & was just like a normal cat! The baby cheetahs came in because their mum had been shot by a farmer & had to be put to sleep - poor little loves.
Baby lion cubs the sanctuary we're hand rearing, that happened to live with Sherbert the piglet & Zippy the pup!
There were also loads of other animals there - such as leopards, baboons including baby baboons, characals, meerkats, donkeys, giraffes, antelope, domestic dogs and cats, loads of different birds, including ostriches, african wild dogs and even a bunny called Marshmallow! He had beautiful blue eyes
I felt so privileged to have been able to get so close to so many wonderful animals - it was a very special experience and something I will never forget. I cried like a baby when I had to come home. It was very hard work, especially as we had to chop up meat for the big cats - something I really struggled with - but it had to be done. The days were long but so rewarding and I made friends there I hope I will keep for life.
I really hope to be able to go back one day - but it won't be for a very long time. It's something I would really recommend to anyone if you get the opportunity to do it.
The sanctuary is 10,000 hectares in size, so is nothing like a zoo - it's a huge reserve that basically looks after their every need. It's family run and they do a wonderful job, given that they are funded by donations and volunteers.
Mark bless him was an absolute star and stayed at home to look after our bunny brood and cats, whilst I went off on my own.
I've been looking at my photos again tonight as I'm going to a reunion in Derby tomorrow to meet up with the friends that I made there. I realised I'd never shared any of my photos with you guys - so thought I'd post some - hope you like them.
Me with Zion the lion, one of the lions they have hand reared.
Hanging out with the cheetahs, including sleeping out with them at night
Baby lion cubs the sanctuary we're hand rearing, that happened to live with Sherbert the piglet & Zippy the pup!
There were also loads of other animals there - such as leopards, baboons including baby baboons, characals, meerkats, donkeys, giraffes, antelope, domestic dogs and cats, loads of different birds, including ostriches, african wild dogs and even a bunny called Marshmallow! He had beautiful blue eyes
I felt so privileged to have been able to get so close to so many wonderful animals - it was a very special experience and something I will never forget. I cried like a baby when I had to come home. It was very hard work, especially as we had to chop up meat for the big cats - something I really struggled with - but it had to be done. The days were long but so rewarding and I made friends there I hope I will keep for life.
I really hope to be able to go back one day - but it won't be for a very long time. It's something I would really recommend to anyone if you get the opportunity to do it.