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.
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