Africa Journal Posting 8

One Big Kitty
The day was amazing! We did our first Safari – well not the kind that most dream about where you take a Land Rover out past the Lions and the Elephants with a jungle guide. This time we drove to the “Safari Walk” - a little ways out of Nairobi – on the edge of bush country. The animals were very close to us – so photos were easy.

The rhino was gigantic – and did he ever pose for us. The Lions were zonked after lunch – with two females sound asleep on their backs. Daddy Lion was laying on a perch sound asleep as well.
The bush came to the edge of the enclosures. Wild animals from the out side could walk up to the ones that are inside. While we watched the water hole three Wart Hogs walked up and continued to eat.

Around the next corner was an event that would change both Alida and me forever. There was a Cheetah enclosure with a big cat sleeping in the grass. The three Africans that watched us then asked us to follow them to see more.

They walked us to a Bamboo fence with a homemade looking door. The one man pulled it open and said, “Come..”. As we followed into the inner pen wire fence there was a large half leg of something like a cow – ready for supper time. Our leader opened the last door to lead us into the final area – the actual enclosure. There are this magnificent animal looking at us. Our leader looked at us and said again, “Come...”.

The fully grown female Cheetah looked us over with her gigantic eyes. I reached out my hand and she plopped down beside me. She wanted a good pet. As Alida and I began to pet her she purred a deep throated purr – just like any cat – only much, much bigger!

I stood to take a photo and the Cheetah turned her head to begin licking Alida's arm. The purring and licking went on for a long time. Then she rolled over to get her tummy scratched.
I think her amazing eyes are what caught my attention the most. She looked at me and then over my shoulder. On top of the hill behind us was daddy Cheetah taking all this in. He had woken up and was watching us from about 50 feet away. Not nearly so friendly and the lady Cheetah.

I could see the electric prod in the game keeper's hand – just in case it was needed – that was good!

Being able to pet the fastest animal in the world and hear her purr was amazing. Yes – we got some good photos – very good.

The Long Purple Tongue...
Our next wild life happening was to go to a Giraffe Reserve – where they are endeavoring to build back the population of the Rothschild Giraffe. At one time there were only 130 left in one area. Today there are over 300. The herd is coming back.

Feeding the Giraffes was the highlight of this park. The Keepers gave us handfuls of pellets to offer the Giraffe. These graceful beasts stuck their huge heads close to where we were and then the tongue appeared. It was very long and purple. It easily licked the pellets out of our hands.

The Keeper said to put one in my mouth and let the Giraffe take it... “Try it.” she said.

So I took a large pellet and placed it between my lips... the large lady giraffe saw me and slowly moved her head over to me. The huge eyes looked careful at my face and then the pellet. She brought her mouth toward me and then the long tongue stuck away out... zip... the pellet was gone. I never even felt the tongue. I did feel the ex hail on the satisfied giraffe – but just the normal amount of hot air that came from deep inside her lungs about 10 feet below.

What unique and wonderful creature she is.

Yes we got lots of photos...

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~