I live in Africa, more specifically, South Africa. We are surrounded by so much beauty here every day that sometimes I have to sit back and thank God for all the many gorgeous sites he provides for us here. Around where I grew up on the east coast is a lion park. It’s called Seaview Lion Park. If you’re ever planning a trip to South Africa, this is where you wanna go. Don’t be fooled by the name though, they have many other animals there also.

We were recently there shooting their video profile. I absolutely love nature so this was a heavenly project for me! The park is really well-run and clean. Even though all the animals are in cages, trust me, they are well-looked after. They are very tame (i say ‘very’ rather cautiously) and seemed to be very sociable with all the tourists. Curious even.

These wild animals, believe me when you see them up close, are truly a marvel. You realize that there is so much out there we don’t know and I can’t believe anyone who meets them could believe there isn’t a God who created them. 

1. Power. They are so huge in person and so strong (even the babies). I was just amazed that they didn’t hurt us. In the photos we are petting them. Don’t know how we did it, they could have taken us out at any moment they wanted! I remember we were filming a scene of a black panther and he got curious about our tripod. He came over a couple times and started pawing it (is that a verb?) Anyway! He was very gentle – even his gentle was quite impressive – but he didn’t aim at hurting anyone. To him it’s playing. Being friendly. It’s like they are emphatic and can tell when you mean them harm and don’t mean them harm. He could definitely have managed a good dent in the metal, and in any of us for that matter – good thing we caught him in time! 

2. Beauty. Each of these animal is so majestic, just looking at them inspires you! Each are so different, just like us in this world, each with their own unique skills and talents to contribute to the ‘Greater Order’ of things! Not only are they beautiful, but they take moments to appreciate the beauty of the world they live in. Like this lion below feeling the cool wind on his face during a hot morning. How often do we stop to do that?

3. Connecting. My favourite part was when I petted the baby tigers! These animals can really teach you the value of connecting; to each other, to them, to life itself. And that is a thrill in itself! To feel you are connected to the world around you, to be open, to take a chance and maybe even a risk. For the sheer thrill of connecting with the wild spirit that lies fundamentally in each one of us. Life, and nature, is meant to be enjoyed wholeheartedly! Get out and experience it!

I encourage you to tweet this, pin this, facebook this or whatever your flavour is to SPREAD THE WORD!! 

Oh, and all the photos were taken by my brother Dane Doubell on his CANON 5D MK II

(and yes, I get that Tigers are not native to Africa but the pics were sooooo gorgeous I simply had to include them anyway!)

Here is the gorgeous video we shot: SEAVIEW LION PARK SKYBOK PROFILE. 

© Tamika Doubell and The Starlit Path, 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Tamika Doubell and The Starlit Path with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.