Petting a lion in South Africa? (page 9 of 10)

Hello,

Personally, I really don’t understand these practices at all!!

I ESPECIALLY don’t understand people who seek physical contact with wild animals.

Wild nature is beautiful (and unpredictable). I’m a huge fan of this African wilderness, and I’ve been lucky enough to go on many safari trips in Namibia, Kenya, Botswana, and Tanzania. Every time, it’s a journey into the unknown. That’s what makes it so magical. You might see almost nothing for 45 minutes—or even a whole day—and then suddenly, you’re face-to-face with a mother elephant and her baby, surrounded by a whole group of sisters, other females ensuring their protection. Or a lioness putting up with all the whims of her "little ones." How beautiful natural behavior is!! What’s the point of petting them (something that has NEVER crossed my mind)? At a reasonable distance, so as not to disturb them, spending 30 minutes or an hour observing their lives, their behaviors, and interactions is so much more interesting than 3 minutes of potential petting....

I wonder if these visitors/petters have ever actually been on a safari in real wild nature. ???

They’re probably the same people who only ever talk about that stupid "big five" expression (which drives me crazy when I read or hear it). And of course, those same people never pay attention to African birds, even though there are hundreds of species, all worth admiring.

Reading your post (I really had no idea this petting practice existed...) just confirms that the relationship with wild animals in South Africa is pretty "special"!!! (Where I’ve never been). And that goes for so many other off-topic areas too. I feel much more at home in the truly wild nature (for how much longer?) of southern Tanzania, like what you find in Ruaha or Selous (my favorite reserves).

Have a great week, everyone. Greetings to all true lovers of wild nature in Africa AND/or here at home.

...

Personally, I really don’t understand these practices at all!!

Okay. That’s very much to your credit.

These are no doubt the same people [...] Besides, those same people never take an interest

The long informative post that sparked this discussion sheds light on an aspect of travel that those preparing a trip to this country—especially if it’s their first time—might completely overlook. It shouldn’t—whether in this discussion or another where the author chose to stop abruptly—turn into a blacklist of those others who are imperfect, who don’t know what I know, who don’t behave as virtuously as me.

Mastery of a subject, whatever it may be, and the passion that comes with it, shouldn’t isolate... or make us forget that knowledge is always the result of a journey filled with wandering, mistakes, and trial and error.

Thanks to the Savoyard for asking the naive (um... 😛) yet still relevant questions that move the conversation forward.

Hello,

Personally, I really don’t understand these practices at all!!

I ESPECIALLY don’t understand those people who seek physical contact with wild animals.

Wild nature is beautiful (and unpredictable). I’m a huge fan of this African wilderness, and I’ve been lucky enough to go on many safari trips in Namibia, Kenya, Botswana, and Tanzania. Every time, it’s a journey into the unknown. That’s what makes it so magical. You might see almost nothing for 45 minutes, or even a whole day, and then suddenly, you’re right there in front of a mother elephant and her baby surrounded by a whole group of sisters, other females ensuring their protection. Or a lioness putting up with all the whims of her "little ones." It’s so beautiful when it’s natural!! What’s the point of petting them on top of that (something that has NEVER crossed my mind)? At a reasonable distance, so as not to disturb them, spending 30 minutes or an hour observing their lives, their behaviors, and interactions is so much more interesting than 3 potential minutes of petting....

I wonder if these visitors/petters have ever actually been on a safari in real wild nature. ???

They’re probably the same people who only ever talk about that stupid "big five" expression (which drives me crazy when I read or hear it). And by the way, those same people never pay any attention to African birds, even though there are hundreds of species, all worth seeing.

When I came across your topic (I really had no idea this petting practice existed...), it just confirmed for me that the relationship with wild animals is pretty "special" in South Africa!!! (Where I’ve never been). And that goes for a lot of other off-topic areas too. I feel much more at home in the truly wild nature (for how much longer, though?) of southern Tanzania, like what you find in Ruaha or Selous (my favorite reserves).

Have a great week, everyone. Greetings to all the true lovers of wild nature in Africa AND/or here at home.

...

Hello everyone. First of all, I sincerely apologize if I interfered with this topic by somewhat derailing it while simply responding to those who were addressing me. Second, I have to admit I’m struggling to get the hang of this site because it’s the first time I’ve seen a forum where you can’t reply to a topic directly without being forced to respond to someone in particular. I find that annoying because you can’t comment on a discussion like this one, for example, without quoting someone specifically. That’s just what I’ve noticed and what I regret. Getting back to lions and other wild animals in general, having run a ranch in the tourism industry at one point and being deeply involved in wildlife in my region (and to answer Puma2A), who said they don’t understand people who want to pet lions, living day-to-day with other wild animals, most people have no idea what "wild" really means. Far be it from me to criticize them because living in cities and having received an education far removed from animals in general, you can understand their completely unconscious approach to nature and its inhabitants. We have the same issue on a smaller scale here in the Camargue, and thankfully, we’re there to explain in a few words that *Koh Lanta* or other TV shows, as well as stuffed animal toys, aren’t reality (otherwise, it would be a bloodbath among all those people who have no idea what a wild animal is). Personally, I was recently in Kenya, which I first appreciated for its very mild climate, at least in the national parks at higher altitudes. I was really anxious before my trip because I couldn’t preview the type of 4x4 that would be taking me around this beautiful country. I was relieved to have one that was completely enclosed except for the roof, which opened slightly. Being less than 2 meters away from lions staring right at me, I wasn’t reassured at all—even with a simple window between me and those giants, I had my doubts. Plus, being stuck and surrounded by tons of other 4x4s, I didn’t find that serious at all (especially with elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos—no possible escape in case of attacks). Yet, I’ve spent a huge part of my life in danger behind old, rotten planks facing big cats, and it’s only with years of hindsight that I’ve finally measured the danger I was completely unaware of at the time. Goes to show you can give advice while making big mistakes yourself. Anyway, in Kenya, I saw completely open vehicles where people were at the mercy of the wild (I don’t know if they paid more than others to be so exposed to these animals—apparently, lions used to safaris only see the mass of a 4x4 and not the people inside), with the instruction not to move. For my part, I’ll remain doubtful about the safety (even though my guide’s rifle, neatly stored above the bull bar, made me laugh—by the time he grabbed it, he’d already be dead 😏). People who want to pet lions or walk with them (or other creatures) have no idea what a wild animal is. Now living in the forest, I can tell you that every morning during my sporty hikes, I’m very much aware of what a wounded boar chased by hunters’ dogs is like, or a sow with her piglets whose tusks are well over 10 centimeters long and could sever an artery in a second (bull horns are the same). My only method is to make noise, talk loudly, or clap my hands if I encounter these creatures who are in their own home!!!

In the other discussion, the author knew what they were doing. They would have written the opening of their travel journal differently if they hadn’t.

After that, you’ve got to stand by your choices, defend your point of view, and accept criticism.

Then I admit I’m struggling to get the hang of this site because it’s the first time I’ve seen a forum where you can’t reply to a thread directly without having to reply to someone in particular. I find that annoying because you can’t comment on a discussion like this one, for example, which interests me, without quoting someone specifically. That’s just what I’ve noticed and I’m not a fan.

Nobody’s perfect, including this forum!

By clicking “reply” on one of your own previous messages in the thread, you avoid replying to someone specifically. 😉

Okay, you usually keep it shorter, but I applaud the approach:

We call things out because it’s necessary and it’s the right thing to do, but we also highlight good practices (too bad the digressions in this post probably scared people off long ago), because thankfully, they exist.

Always the baby and the bathwater.

I would’ve even added the link to the good players 😎

I just copied the English version from these travel agencies. A testimonial that didn’t come from me

Hi there, As far as I’m concerned, I’ve always stressed two things upfront. Many people didn’t know, and in all good faith, they did it. I don’t blame them at all. They were taken advantage of because of their good faith.

That’s why I’m posting to warn them.

But when you *do* know, you don’t do it.

We remain responsible for our actions, even when traveling.

If we accept that everyone does what they want, there are no more limits…

Having had the opportunity— in a professional and ethical setting—to pet wild animals, I understand that kind of fascination and the urge to satisfy it.

Hi there, The AFSA (African Safari Adventure) is amazing—open-top vehicles! A rare opportunity, really. Run by true professionals, with animals in a habituation process. In a serious setting, you can see animals up *super* close—no glass between you and them. It’s incredible!

Hello The AFS is from the point of view, open vehicle A near exception With real professionals Animals in a habituation process In a serious setting, seeing animals very, very close without glass is possible And amazing

And what about the walking safari!? Adrenaline-wise, it’s not bad either ¾ But maybe that’s not specific to the AFS?

Anyway, Even if we're going off the original topic, Let’s talk about what’s really behind an activity that’s highly questionable but marketed incredibly well, And why doing it isn’t a good idea, nor is promoting it. We should condemn those who offer it, Not those who’ve been misled. A discussion space has opened up… And it keeps the post’s theme in the spotlight… Alright… You’ve got to be motivated to reread all the messages…

Yes sir A link https://www.africanbudgetsafaris.com/blog/the-essential-safari-anti-bucket-list-5-donts/

Hello From the point of view, open-top vehicle A near exception With real professionals Animals in a habituation process In a serious setting, seeing animals very, very close without glass is possible And amazing

In my culture, I’m surrounded every day by seasoned professionals in their field, and every day they have accidents with more or less serious injuries, and sometimes deaths. When it comes to wild animals, who can claim there’s no risk at all?? Sure, they take risks—that’s their job—but in the case of safaris, let’s not forget they’re bringing tourists along (they probably have insurance that covers them). Personally, despite their extensive knowledge, I don’t trust them. I plan to go back solo for more safaris, but I’ll always have that fear—which you could also call "adrenaline." It depends ;)

In the other discussion, the author was aware of what they were doing. They would have written the opening of their travel journal differently if they hadn't been.

You then have to stand by your choices, defend your point of view, and accept criticism.

Unless you have information that wasn’t mentioned in their post, who can say for sure that the author was aware of what they were doing?

Personally, I reread theopening of the travel journal twice and searched in vain for what Michel85200’s first reply (a bit abrupt) was referring to. Because if you don’t know anything about the country, how can you guess that one of the places mentioned offers the criticized activity?

Unless you know the place—and how the author travels—why start with a criticism that assumes their intentions, without even giving them a chance to share their feelings or knowing if they might have reached the same conclusions as you?

Isn’t it better to build a bridge rather than a wall if you want to convince someone?

@Michel As you pointed out: A space for discussion has opened... And it keeps the post’s theme in the spotlight...

At the start of the travel journal, the controversial part was removed (by the author, I assume)

The main point is at the beginning. 🙂

Plus, the title is catchy.

I’m sure many people who wanted to pet a lion clicked on it thinking they’d find addresses, only to learn what’s really behind these commercial operations.

Some will still go, but others won’t.

And posts like this also make you question other animal-related activities.

If it’s like this with lions, there’s probably something fishy going on with...

The author did indeed remove the highlight of the activity, but this sentence is still there:

What follows is, of course, a reflection of my opinion and mine alone, which is therefore very subjective. You’ll have no trouble understanding that my goal isn’t to debate my choice of destinations/activities, since everyone has their own model of tourism and their convictions.

Hardly any travel journal mentions in its introduction that its content might be controversial, and hardly any author asks their readers to stay quiet if they don’t like it.

Especially for a generally consensual destination.

I’d talked about what could be divisive in my introduction about the Faroe Islands, and I’d asked for some leniency in my first travel journal about Thailand. But the Faroe Islands are a hot-button topic, and the Thailand section was really heated...

I guess he knew in advance he wouldn’t be very well received with his lion walk.

And that he knew what was lurking beneath.

Otherwise, when Michel explained what trap he’d walked into, he would’ve just replied... Damn, I didn’t know.😱🍺

Few, if any, travel journals mention in their introduction that their content will be controversial, and few, if any, authors ask their readers to keep quiet if they don’t like it.

You’re forgetting the "report" button that many people use behind the scenes 😏 Personally, I already know that if I post something about my culture, especially in South America, it’ll be deleted within 24 hours—that’s for sure (despite travelers from all over the world searching for authenticity in their explorations) 😄

A few clarifications In version 1 Later corrected It mentioned A day in X and Walking with Lions Said it was amazing In a PM I asked if it was Walking with Lions or not Expressed and briefly argued my strong reservations about this Without questioning good faith Begged not to promote this activity He confirmed his initial intention to recount and provide the details for those interested I didn’t push further on this post There was no personal judgment But the desire to initiate reflection after the fact I think we can make a mistake without meaning to errare humanum est Perseverare diabolicum And I think saying "We shouldn’t judge others’ choices!" Well, no We’re not talking about small things but things that impact a situation Otherwise There are no limits anymore

The "report" button is for flagging disguised or obvious ads.

Scammers, that kind of thing.

For the rest, I don’t really see the point.

There was nothing like that in this travel journal. Just someone sharing their trip and getting defensive when others pointed out the reality behind one of the activities they did.

The report button is for flagging disguised or overt ads.

Scammers, that sort of thing.

For the rest, I don’t really see the point.

There was nothing like that in this travel journal. Just someone sharing their trip and getting defensive when others pointed out the darker side of one of the activities they did.

The button’s there so people can report anything they don’t like—I’ve never used it myself, but on the other forum, that’s all people do (the last thread I started got me temporarily banned and deleted). I’d suggested boycotting the USA after Trump added Cuba to the list of terrorist countries (which ruined my plans for a trip to the States after my stay in Cuba). The thread blew up but kept getting reported even though it was totally within the site’s rules.