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Sun Jun 01 2003 (Hartbeespoort Dam & De Wildt)

Up very late, I sleep so well in this place. Phoned De Wildt centre and booked for 1.30pm tour. Got ready, made some lunch,took first Malaria tablet and headed out. Bit tricky to find but not too far from Dam. Much more organised than expected, big visitors centre and shop. Bought a swiss army knife. Went to look at some of cheetahs before tour. Got talking to a couple from Coventry who emigrated here in mid 70's, they still have their accent. They love Africa and go to other countries here whenever they get chance. Were very jealous about my journey and wished me all the best. Tour started with talk about the history of the centre. Started by lady who had always wanted cheetahs, eventually set up centre. Took several years to get any breeding success, then in first successful breeding season produced 24 cubs, entire captive bred births of world for previous year had been 20. Were told to stop breeding programme at one stage as they were running out of places to send them. Breeding method. Separate into females (solitary), solitary males and collaborative males. Test males for sperm count and walk them along lover's lane see if any female interested. If so, put them in with female, but remove them after a day or two. Generally don't hunt collectively but three have been spotted recently in Pilanesberg hunting Eland as a team, much bigger prey than would normally take on. Story about two of centre's cheetahs introduced to air force base in middle of reserve to keep runway clear of warthogs. Were not afraid of humans so used to chase and knock over airmen cycling into the base. Also breed wild dogs which are secondmost threatened animal in South Africa. Cheetah cubs have same markings as honey badgers which are reknowned for being aggressive. Saw female honey badgers, very cool creatures, females grow to 6kg, males to twice that. Black with a white back. Also have a male albino called Blizzard. He was used to perfect a honey badger proof hive. Found he could climb, swing and launch from nearby trees to get into the hive, very devious animal. Then took a look at juveniles, and a couple of adult males. Then on 2 hour tour on game truck. Saw brown hyenas, several types of vulture, wild dogs which were fantastic, look after their young, sick and weak by regurgitating a catch. Then fed cheetahs, had to move kids into centre of truck as they have had cheetah jumping onto truck before. Also saw impala, ostrich, and a rare grazer which can't remember name of. Best thing I've seen so far, only R120 and was a very high quality 3 hour plus tour. Well informed and passionate staff. Back to house, finish off last of burgers, few beers and watched Beverley Hills Cop. Tiny lizard in bed. Photos from today