Luxury and Big Cats

I am very glad to be able to report than the smaller portion loved his birthday surprise.  And he was surprised too.  I am also really glad I had managed to keep it secret.

So where did we go, and what did we do?

My city has a zoo.  A privately owned zoo, the National Zoo and Aquarium.  For a number of years they have been arranging animal encounters where you can meet, pat, feed the animals.  Some years back we patted cheetahs and fed a bear and a tiger.  Wonderful experiences.  This is the zoo my youngest brother volunteers at, and for a month each year he does 'work experience' and works there full time (describing himself as Australia's oldest work experience participant).

More recently they have introduced the Jamala Wildlife Lodge.  Visitors can stay in Jungle Bungalows, Giraffe Treehouses or the Ushaka Lodge and get up close and personal with the animals.  This trip I chose a Jungle Bungalow and the chance to sleep in close proximity to tigers, lions, cheetahs, bears or sun bears.  (And as an aside one of the zoo's sun bears was destined for bear-paw soup (an obscenity) before she was rescued and housed here.)  You are able to give preferences, but the final decision is made by the zoo staff.  Our first preference was to stay in the bungalow next to the tiger enclosure, but we were allocated the one next to the cheetah.  Were we disappointed?  Slightly, but only slightly.  And that disappointment wore off quickly.

The addition of Jamala Wildlife Lodge is a major step to bolster the programs that are run by the zoo.  A significant amount of the net proceeds from Jamala Lodge and animal encounters are donated to registered conservation funds that protect species in the wild, prevent habitat destruction and/or discourage poaching, including Free the Bears and the Snow Leopards Trust.  A commitment has been made that at least $100,000 will be donated this year.

 The website and brochures describe Jamala Wildlife Lodge as luxurious - and that it was.   At every point.

This was our bungalow.

The biggest luxury for us though was outside.  Every window overlooking the enclosure was full length.  Outside was Jura, an adolescent and very beautiful cheetah who from time to time cruised inches away from the windows much to our delight.

 Lucky, lucky, lucky.

Included in the booking were sumptuous refreshments, starting with afternoon tea when we arrived, canapes and drinks before dinner, a three course dinner and wine, and a wonderful buffet breakfast.

We also had the option of two zoo tours, with pleasant and knowledgeable guides.  We took up both options.  Of course.

The one in the afternoon was through the main part of the zoo, and included watching a number of animals receive treats from the guide.

The next, after breakfast the next day, started before the zoo was open to the public and took us to some newer (and as yet unopened) areas of the zoo.  And we got to feed some of the animals and give a wombat a scrootch on the top of its very bony head.  Bliss.

There are many, many photos to come but I am just going to show a few in this post of some of the other big cats.  It was a very hot day, and as cats do, they were mostly totally 'laxed.

And, remember I said that I had opted for this gift as an experience? When I booked I was asked whether it was a special occasion.  I mentioned it was the smaller portion's birthday treat, and they gave him a gift.

His own cheetah.

The attention to detail, and cheerful helpful attitudes helped to make this an experience to cherish.  And we do.  And will.  And neither of us have ruled out a return visit, despite the fact that considerable saving or a lottery win will be required.  The service and facilities were exemplary, and the experience amazing.  Sentiments which were echoed by every other guest I spoke to.