In 2014 and subsequently on a few more occasions I was fortunate enough to visit the Moholoholo wildlife rehabilitation centre in Hoedspruit South Africa.
There I met a wide range of African carnivores including cheetahs.
Before anyone gets up in arms about cub petting, let me clarify, I am aware and against any facility or practice that involves breeding for photo op and cub petting.
That being said. The facility did have a litter the year of my visit, a litter destined for captivity and ambassadorship which enriches the lives of people that come visit and goes a long way to educate locals and travellers alike.
Proximity to wildlife in carefully managed, well functioning facilities nourish people’s appreciation for wildlife and helps promote a deeper connection and understanding with the natural world.
The adult cat in the video is called Xinandi (Shanandi). She was already of a significant age at the time of my visit. She was docile, amicable, very approachable an