|
|
|
|
 |
The
Leopard and the Golden Retriever
The leopard and the golden retriever who are the best of friends.
It's
a role reversal not commonly seen, but then the cat chasing this dog
is a little larger than most.
Salati,
a ten-month-old leopard, and her best friend, golden retriever Tommy,
like nothing more than to run amok before settling down for a friendly
cuddle.
The
odd couple were reared together at Glen Afric Country Lodge near Pretoria
in South Africa.
Close: Salati, a ten-month-old leopard, leans in for a cuddle with her
best friend, Golden Retriever Tommy.
Animal
wrangler Richard Brooker, 23, raised Salati and takes her and family
dog Tommy for their daily exercise together.
Each
morning, he walks them on his family's 1,850-acre estate and then lets
them run free to their hearts' content.
He
said: 'Wherever you see one the other is right behind. They are inseparable
and both have lots of energy so they get the exercise they both need
together.
No secrets: The pair take daily walks together at the Glen Afric Country
Lodge near Pretoria in South Africa.
'When
we first received Salati she was tiny and Tommy could chase her around.
But now with Salati matching him for weight the tables have turned.
'It's
all fun and games and they love playing together.
'But
dogs aren't used to being chased by cats almost the same size as them.
I think it was a shock for him when she started doing the chasing but
it's fun to see them exploring together.'
Playmates: Tommy and Salati enjoy a bit of rough and tumble in the South
African bush.
As
a cub Salati was much smaller than friendly Tommy, who weighs 18lb.
But
the fast-growing predator now packs a bigger punch at a hefty 40lb,
more than twice the weight of her excitable dog friend.
Mr
Brooker added: 'Dogs need to walk and going out with Tommy for a ramble
in the bushes means Salati develops properly into a fit adult leopard.
Travelling companions: The pair lie contentedly together in the boot
of the four-wheel drive.
'I
take them out in the truck so they can have a good run-around together
in lots of space.'
Rescued
as an orphaned cub, Salati was donated by a local vet to the family-run
country retreat, which helps to rehabilitate injured and destitute animals.
Breeding
programmes at the spectacular venue also ensure that some of their animals
who will never be able to survive in the wild enjoy the good life within
huge enclosures.
The
Brookers' hard work has helped boost wildlife numbers in the area..
They have over 200 animals across 32 species on the grounds.
The
stunning getaway is visited by resident guests staying at the lodge
and day visitors who want to see Africa's amazing creatures including
lions, elephants and giraffes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
