An Encounter with Lions

As I planned my trip to Zimbabwe, I remember talking to Sarah my excursion specialist about wanting to do something extra special for my birthday. Every year I plan a trip to a new and exciting place, and I wanted to make sure my tour to Victoria Falls was unforgettable. Sarah listened to my explanation of a wanting an amazing adventure, and excitedly told me that I have to check out the lion cubs. Immediately my mind pictured adorable little cubs that were eager to explore their surroundings and play with adoring tourists. As a cat lover, I couldn’t think of a better way to indulge my wanderlust with my partiality for felines. The built-up excitement for my trip was laser focused on that experience.

The lodge we stayed in within the Victoria Falls area was spectacular, the hospitality, food, scenery, and accommodations made us feel like royalty. It’s amazing how contrary to stereotypical beliefs this part Africa actually proved to be. The roads were well maintained, the lodges were five-star palaces, and the shopping centers reminded me of suburban areas in the United States. Yet, all I could think of were the adorable lion cubs that I couldn’t wait to see.

The day of our tour started with a tense moment when our personal tour guide, told us that our schedule wouldn’t allow us to visit the lion sanctuary. I almost lost it. There was no way that I would have my expectations built up to this crowning moment, only to miss it by a hair’s breadth. After a bit of schedule juggling, we were back in business. First stop, the Lion Sanctuary.

Our driver pulled into the parking area where we were greeted by the park guide. We had an amazing opportunity to learn about why the sanctuary was established and the good it was doing in maintaining the African wildlife ecosystem. Poaching still poses a major threat to their local animal diversity, as hunters poach elephants, rhinos, and lions for the black market leaving devastation in their wake. Herds are often destroyed, which disrupts the ecosystem and leaves young orphans behind that cannot fend for themselves. It was due to these unfortunate circumstances that led to the formation of sanctuaries for lions and elephants, to help stave off the extinction of the species.

In the lion sanctuary the lion cubs are raised by conservationists to ensure that they get socialized to reform their social groups before being rereleased in the wild. Since lions are social animals, it is important that they learn certain social norms before being set free. The work being done at the sanctuaries to maintain their national treasures despite the constant onslaught is amazing, and we felt priviledged to see it firsthand.

After our learning session, we followed our park guide on a narrow winding path obscured by bushes. It wasn’t long before we came upon a clearing as the path opened up, and directly ahead of us were what looked like two rather large lionesses. They were calmly sitting by a rippling stream keenly watching us as we approached. My heart immediately froze; these weren’t the cute little lion cubs I was enthusiastically told about. No, these looked like full-grown lionesses. Lionesses that also happen to be the primary hunters of a pride that can take down large prey like wildebeests, zebras, and African buffalos. I looked like a puny beef jerky snack in comparison.

My life briefly flashed before my eyes, before I noticed I had stopped, while the park guide kept walking. Not wanting to run to catch up and instantly become an enticing chew toy, I began to slowly walk again. As I got closer to the lionesses, I saw their keen interest shift back to observing their surroundings. Upon further inspection I saw that they clearly were still young, as they had spots on their legs that hadn’t yet faded. Our guide told us that they were 19 months old juveniles that were very calm and friendly.

As I mustered up the courage to stoop down to pet them, I could not quite wrap my brain around the incredible experience. They were amazing. They patiently posed for pictures and went on a short walk around the park with me, while occasionally growling at each other to get out of one another’s way. They even participated in an impromptu happy birthday song, by letting us know that they weren’t impressed with the singing. Overall, it was exhilarating, and I will never forget the once in a lifetime experience that has forever cemented my love and admiration for these beautiful creatures in my heart. It reminds me that this amazing life sustaining planet is all we have, and it needs to be cherished and taken care of before these precious treasures often taken for granted are permanently lost.