Reunion with Yame & George

CJ & Luis return to South Africa to wish Yame & George a happy birthday.  Bringing Tete & Pati the Spanish carers to see how well the cubs have adapted to their new home.  They share their experience, photos and videos.
Bev.

When we arrived at the gates of Welgedacht, our ranger, whose name is Ian and the same young man as from our trip before, was waiting for us. He had been assigned to taking care of us again and we were grateful and happy to see him. We dumped our suitcases at our bungalow and quickly got back on the road with Ian as we just couldn't wait any longer to see George and Yame. As we approached their enclosure, I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest. Jade was waiting for us. She entered the enclosure and said she would look for the boys as she was certain they wouldn't come on their own. She took off to the left. Tete and I walked to the right of the closure on the outside. We called for them - using the call we always used at the center while they were here with us in Madrid. Within two minutes they came running. There was no doubt that they recognized the call and our voices.

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Tete entered the enclosure first. I was overwhelmed with tears to see the response of George and Yame. They were all over him with hugs and kisses. They had not forgotten him. Quite the opposite. They were full of joy. After a while, I joined Tete inside the enclosure. I too got hugs and kisses. I wore the red and black shirt that I had worn so often while playing with the boys at the center in Madrid. It is now a torn up rag that no longer even looks like a shirt, but they knew it well and wanted to get it off of me. This gave me a chance to roll around with them. Not an easy thing to do any more as they weigh a lot more than I do and their strength is such that they could have crushed me if they had wanted to. It was the perfect reunion. They were the same in a way; Yame the forever sweet, gentle, loving soul and George the mischievous, strong minded, no nonsense fighter - and yet, they seemed to have changed some how. Just couldn't put my finger on it. They still remain very close to each other. One doesn't go anywhere without the other, but they are at peace with themselves as individuals and happy. 

On their birthday we watched them rip up and tear apart two horse legs - one each. George kept one eye on Yame all the time and if Yame moved any where near his meal, he stood his ground and faced him down. It was obvious who was the boss. Although George still doesn't see perfectly close up, his being able to see at a distance so much better now has given him a confidence that has opened up the entire world for him. Before we left that day we sang happy birthday to them in English and Spanish which they paid no attention to as they were nose deep in horse flesh. Yummy!

We had an amazing morning walk one day with Kevin and the boys which gave us a chance to catch up. The boys had a great time climbing the rocks and hills - doing their best to wear us out. George's back legs are still not the best but he tries to run with the wind and climbs at an equal pace with Yame. He then needs a good rest for a bit but gets right back at it. So determined! On our way back, we caught up with Mandy and the children. Such a thrill to have Kevin schedule some time for us.  He doesn't stop; always somewhere to be and something important to do. We know he had to juggle his life around for us and we are so grateful. Such a wonderful day. Never forget it!

We basically took things as they came; hung out a lot with the boys just doing nothing but being with them - sitting around, laying around, enjoying the moments of being accepted by them for who we are. With every moment that I had with them I thought to myself what a privilege it is to have this relationship with these two amazing lions and to be a part of their lives. How often does this happen to someone? How very lucky am I?

Our last day started like a lot of "last" days often start; wishing it hadn't come. 

Ian took us to the boy's special resting spot - rather like an oasis right in the middle of the hot, dry bush. A lovely little creek ran through the area and there were several tall trees and bushes providing lots of shade and such a sense of peacefulness. We spent the rest of the morning with them there, just like a pride of lions would spend together; resting not needing to do anything. All at once, they got up and began walking along the creek and through the brush. They were gone. They just disappeared. It felt right. It was the perfect way to end our time together. No tears and no good-byes. There will never be a good-bye - only a next time. "Hasta la vista leoncitos". We will carry you in our hearts and prayers forever.
From CJ

Videos:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/rkx9ihzvu7txusj/Lions%20and%20tree.wmv?oref=e&n=81330501
https://www.dropbox.com/s/yswlobbu6tzvsp3/Drinking%20water.wmv?oref=e&n=81330501