Are you getting the chance to keep up with the TV programmes on Antelope Park and the lion conservation and rehabilitation project run by David Youlden?

Last night’s was fascinating and showed just how volunteers like you are involved in all aspects of this vital work – including carrying a big metal crate with a grumpy 18 month old lion inside!

I should explain, in case you missed it, that this was two lions arriving at Antelope Park from our other facility at Victoria Falls. They were transferred because they are at an age where the huge enclosure at the park gives them more opportunity to get used to big wide-open wild Africa!

Victoria Falls is just as involving and perhaps more “up-close and personal” in some ways, because the enclosures are smaller and a bit more intimate for the early rehabilitation, but Antelope Park is entirely fenced so offers greater freedom for near adult lions.

Of course a near adult lion is a considerable size and weight, and while you can be involved in lion walks over some distance, to get from Victoria Falls means temporarily crating up our two juveniles so that everyone – and particularly the lions – are safe during the transfer.

On arrival at Antelope Park the lion cages are swiftly man-handled to the initial enclosures by as many volunteers as are available. The aim is to be as quick as possible to reduce animal stress to a minimum. Sometimes one of the occupants can be a little grumpy though, so the main instruction is to keep your hands clear of any holes from which a claw might poke!

As usual, everything went smoothly and our two new guests were safely installed. If you want to now what happens next you can watch next week’s programme (Wednesday night, 7.00pm, ITV1) or better yet, come and help us!

Current lion conservation volunteering options are Antelope Park, Victoria Falls or Livingstone. The series is very popular and has brought lots of inquiries so we suggest you get in touch soon!