A Weekend Spent at Jugomaro Predator Park

My mom, William and I spent the long Easter weekend at Jugomaro Predator Park, near Groblersdal in Mpumalanga. The park is roughly 200km from Benoni, and two and a half hours by car.

The park was opened in 2008 by the Fernandes family: Goosey, his wife Rosa and their son Justin. From humble beginnings with only one tiger, Panjo, the park is now home to 10 tigers, four lions, a pack of 10 wolves, a gennet, a serval, a jaguar and two caracal.

The park owes its success to Panjo's disappearance in July 2010. During a routine journey between the park and Gauteng, Panjo escaped from the bakkie he was travelling in. The news made local and international headlines, and in response to Goosey's plea for assistance many corporate and individual benefactors came forward. Panjo was found after two nights roaming the Verena area.

The exposure and visitors that resulted from Panjo's disappearance has been highly beneficial to Jugomaro. A restaurant was built, and new enclosures were created to house more of the rescued big cats the family adopted over the next few years.

Jugomaro feeds the animals at 2pm every day, and this draws numerous visitors. Visitors are able to hand feed the tigers, lions and wolves and take photographs of the animals. Justin leads the tour and gives detailed info on the respective animal, it's history and eating plan.

The ace up Jugomaro's sleeve is the Tiger Walk. Visitors are given the opportunity to walk alongside an 18 month old tiger, feed him chunks of meat and then give him a bottle of milk. Best yet is the chance to kiss the tiger on the nose. A DVD with all the photos from the walk is also available for sale. We did the walk and it was one of the most amazing experiences ever.

The park is open to day visitors (entry fees R100 per adult and R50 per child under 10 years of age) and also has four chalets on the premises (see prices on website) in which guests wanting a longer getaway may stay.

I would highly recommend everyone visit this Park . It is ideal for a family day, as children of all ages are able to feed Taariq the Tiger, the youngest feeder being only 14 months old.

Here are some of our photographs from the weekend.

Month One Down And Two Causes for Celebration

Starting with the good news, recently our friends Guy & Kirsty Lidbetter announced they are expecting a baby.  Kirsty - you have such a beautiful nature and a motherly instinct that comes so naturally - watching you interact with Ella and Lexi during our visit last year proved this point hundredfold. Guy - you are going to be spending many a weekend teaching baba how to hold a baseball bat, and hit that winning shot (if it's a little boy), or practicing your batting skills for when your daughter brings her first boyfriend home. Just playing. Congratulations Guy & Kirst, you are going to make the most fantastic parents and we are so happy for you. Baby Lidbetter is due October or thereabouts. 

A picture of the parents-to-be taken whilst adventure golfing in July last year

Ali & Lee welcomed their son, Patrick James Piron into the world on Saturday afternoon - congratulations to big sister Georgia, both sets of grandparents, and all the aunts, uncles and cousins. May Patrick bring much joy to you all. We look forward to seeing some photographs of baby and his family. Best wishes Ali & Lee!

The Piron trio at the beach last July

 I may be a week or so late but I did it! I survived my first month at the office (insert happy dance here). I'll blame month end madness and having to submit an assignment as the cause of the delay of this post.

It was not a smooth ride, and at times I felt frustrated that I wasn't at the level I wanted to be - not knowing what where when or why. I referred to this period as the "washing machine days". Life continued around me, but I felt I had no control over anything, nor did I know which way was up. As the days and weeks passed, I slowly acclimatized and started settling down. If anyone says they knew exactly what they were doing in a new position from day one, I think they would be stretching the truth. Just a little.

Here is a summary of my first month:

• I locked my boss out of SAP by incorrectly entering her password three times (I felt like a real idiot).
• I almost fell down the stairs. Luckily only one person saw my near miss though. He laughed, I laughed and then he carried on working - thank goodness for small victories.
• I have made an enemy out of the IT department. They refuse (OK it is protocol so I can sort of understand their side) to answer any questions or assist with anything - even if it will only take a minute of their time - until *dum dum dum* a call has been logged! This was before I even had a laptop, so just how was I supposed to log a call? Grrrr, frustration is. Now I joke with them in asking if I need to log a call with them before they can respond to an email. Yep, this is going to be a love/hate relationship.
• I have called many people by the wrong name and (felt extremely embarrassed when they corrected me).
• I called five people into the office and explained the reasoning behind their salary increases. This gem fell onto my plate as my boss was on leave that day otherwise I normally wouldn't handle such matters.
• I have used much more Excel than anyone should ever have to in their time on Earth. Yowza, death by cells and formulae.

These points may all sound negative, but looking back on the month, they are the ones that stick out the most. There have also been good experiences, like meeting and getting to know the people within the Finance department, and meeting the Financial Director of Africa and the Middle East. I have learnt alot about the logistics industry, and been rather chuffed to be given responsibilities that require trust. 

I am also no longer the newest person in the department, after the Accounts Payable Team Leader started this past Tuesday. Today, myself and the newest addition to the team commenced our three day official induction. It was extremely interesting and so many blanks have already been filled in. We even visited the company depot at OR Tambo International Airport, and were taken through the life-cycle of a parcel. Excited for day two tomorrow.

Wishing you all a pleasant week.