There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
(04-04-2022, 06:29 PM)Gabriele Wrote: Sorry if I ask a naive question. Safari vehicles are open, and cats could climb easily if they wanted to. They get very close when they pass. What would happen if a tourist reached out and stroked a lion's back? I remember of the cats that I had, that turned angry with a snap to bite.
Animals see the vehicle as a whole, not the individuals inside the vehicle. The guide will normally conduct a safety briefing on the vehicle before setting out explicitly stating that people are to remain within the confines of the vehicle at all times and not to break the silhouette of the vehicle as that is what triggers animals to notice individuals within this big thing they see in their environment.
Even guides tend to become a bit lax in this and a starving or ill animal can attack such as what was evidenced by that leopard attack on a guided vehicle in the Kruger a few years ago.