I recently took the Cats in Conservation Tour at Tenikwa and found it to be one of the most incredible, eye opening and humbling experiences of my life.
The professionally run facilities there are run by a collection of people who not only have a deep knowledge of animals, but also a love and passion for them that makes their dedication to what they do at the center really quite humbling to witness.
We were lucky enough to see all of the big cats up close as well as take part in the enrichment program for Cheetahs which for me, as Cheetahs are my favourite wild animal, was particularly special.
At the end of the day we then took a fynbos forest walk and we had encounters with one of the Cheetahs on its daily walk/exercise and this opportunity to see the animal as close to its natural behaviour and habitat as it could be was fantastic. The efforts that go into keeping the incredible animals at Tenikwa happy whether they are there for rehabilitation or there to enjoy the rest of their lives of they cannot be released back to the wild are truly amazing.
I’d like to offer my thanks to all the staff there who made our day such a great experience, with special thanks to Charlie, Paul and Sizwe for sharing their huge knowledge and love of the animals with us.
We will certainly return again and are already counting down the days until we can!
I certainly recommend Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center to anybody wishing to open their eyes and mind the amazing animals and work that goes into their well being.
Keep up the amazing work
Date of experience: February 2019