We would really like to thank Jade for sending us these inspiring and exciting reports on the progress of Yame & George. As always the boys sound like they are having the time of their lives. That is thanks to all those amazing people who kindly donated to their relocation from Spain to South Africa.
I cannot believe how big Yame & George have grown. Wow, what are you feeding them?
Bev
From Jade.
I hope this finds you well. Its that time again, for a little update on the adventures of George and Yame.
We are finally starting to feel the days getting warmer here, and as summer creeps back in slowly, we are starting to see a change in George’s comfort levels. Obviously with the warmer weather, his joints are not as painful, and he is playing a lot more with his brother. We have received some feedback from the vet regarding the blood tests, but will only really be able to update you all once he has had his new radiographs done (which will hopefully be in the next few weeks).
I cannot believe how big Yame & George have grown. Wow, what are you feeding them?
Bev
From Jade.
I hope this finds you well. Its that time again, for a little update on the adventures of George and Yame.
We are finally starting to feel the days getting warmer here, and as summer creeps back in slowly, we are starting to see a change in George’s comfort levels. Obviously with the warmer weather, his joints are not as painful, and he is playing a lot more with his brother. We have received some feedback from the vet regarding the blood tests, but will only really be able to update you all once he has had his new radiographs done (which will hopefully be in the next few weeks).
 George |  George |
With the return of the warm weather, and one little thunderstorm, some of the plants have gotten new shoots, attracting all sorts of interesting animals to the burnt area close to the lions enclosure. George and Yame are practising their stalking skills every chance they get, on anything from small fowl, to adult giraffe. Its incredible to watch them creep along on their bellies, practically on the ground, freezing whenever the antelope looked in their direction. Inevitably, George gets bored, and then just breaks cover and runs for it – chasing the animals away, and spoiling Yame’s fun.
 |  |
They also got to meet their first elephant, and watched in awe, as this massive creature browsed not far away. Its times like that, when I would love to know what they are thinking. Needless to say, when they went out for their walk, they found piles, and piles of elephant droppings… and rolled in them until they both stank to high heaven J As Im sure you know, the lions (particularly the males) LOVE this, and it is a behaviour exhibited by our adult lions too. It just goes to prove that those natural instincts to do these things are still apparent, even when the animals are born, and raised in captivity.
 Yame |  Yame |
Another interesting hobby they’ve both picked up recently, is exploring large burrows in the ground. These are often home to things like warthog, porcupine, aardvark, and sometimes even pythons. Im sure it is an olfactory overload for them, and these burrows contain so many different smells to analyse. Their curiosity works with full force on their walks, as they sniff, and mouth everything, constantly testing. George has even taken to the water, and seems to enjoy feeling what is on the bottom with his feet in the shallow water. Its quite amusing to watch, bless him!
 George |  Yame |
Not much else has changed in the past few weeks, and the boys are both gentle, and sweet as ever. You will see it in their photos which I have added with the email. I hope that you enjoy them.