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What not to do on your safari
Bet you didn't experience wildlife like this when you were on your last wildlife safari. Marlice van Vuuren is a Namibian animal conservationist and a woman very familiar with the ways of the African cheetah. She should know, her last 34 years were spent growing up around animals in Namibia, and she currently runs the N/a'an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary with her husband Rudie.
It's that sort of experience that's prepared her for this close interaction with wild cheetahs, no doubt mixed with a healthy dose of bravery and maybe a shred of craziness. Check out this video where van Vuuren gets off of her dirt bike and walks around among the wild cats, often advancing towards them and showing her dominance -- it's a pretty amazing show.
Unfortunately, the clip appears to be spoken in English, then dubbed in French, so here is a translation of what Marlice Van Der Merwe is saying about her encounter:
If I lower myself down to their level, they'll approach as we appear to be be of similar size ... I'm doing this to show how cowardly they are, not to tease them ... But also, to get a rush of adrenaline ... As soon as you turn your back on them, they attack ... As soon as you look them in the eyes, they're afraid of you ... If you run, you're prey. But, if you turn around, they stop ... I think they've had enough
Filed under: Africa, Namibia, Video, Transportation, Travel Health
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 12)
shane May 24th 2011 4:44PM
Remember the guy who thought he knew the Grizzles? Right before they killed him!!
Donna May 3rd 2011 8:20AM
Yeah, and after they kill her they will have to be killed because now they are "maneaters". Cheetahs are endangered and she should not be "taunting" them. She should know better. Getting them used to humans is a death sentence for them. If she had any sense and devotion to the wildlife that she is supposed to be protecting she would make sure that the big cats, and all wildlife, have a healthy fear of humans and keep their distance.
Stan May 3rd 2011 8:22AM
After this post some fool will try this and get killed. I don't believe for a minute this is not staged.
Courtney May 3rd 2011 8:22AM
I think any person who works with animals that closely definitely has a "shred of crazy" in them, but also a deep respect for the animals. They realize that IF they mistep and something tragic happens, it was the human's fault, not the animals and certainly not making them evil. More power to her! Wish I could do it! And if I were to die from my own mistakes, so be it, at least I'd die with the creatures I love! Animals are only doing what they are instictually programmed to do.
dehr822 May 3rd 2011 8:40AM
YOU might think it's OK to be killed by something you love but the authorities woun't. When you are dead it is out of your hands and the animal that killed you will be labeled a "maneater" and put to death. How selfish is that!!
Greendayer May 3rd 2011 12:20PM
Excuse me,
Someone want to say something about the camera person?
Dan Daily May 3rd 2011 8:28AM
All I can say, is when we read about her becoming cat food, I won't feel sorry for her.
dehr822 May 3rd 2011 1:25PM
I woun't feel sorry for her either, but I will feel sorry for the animal that she caused to be put to death because of her stupidity!!!!
Meko May 3rd 2011 8:28AM
It said she has been doing this, her job for 34 years maybe she raised these cat's from pup's because the mother might have been killed, If so they might see her as a mother who is in charge. I guess she just has a way with them she move's like she is playing with them, and they seem to be doing the same, if not this video would have been alot shoter, or never seen. LOL
Tuesday May 3rd 2011 8:34AM
What was the point of this video? Was there a point? Is she just chasing these cheetahs because she can? Very dumb video and a waste of time.
Jim May 3rd 2011 8:38AM
This woman is a goddess.
Betsy May 3rd 2011 9:18AM
Yeah Jim, and blonde....duh..........what a stupid idiot...AND if you could get past looking at her ass Jim, there's a fence in the background. Once again; "DUH"
ablacksafari May 3rd 2011 8:40AM
She is very lucky to be able to have that close interaction with those beautiful Cats, I wish I had that experience...
karen lyons kamenson May 3rd 2011 8:43AM
people this is the cheetah's turf
stop acting like a bunch of
immature smurfs
when visiting their world
be respectful and kind
or you may bet much
more than a bite
on the behind
g May 3rd 2011 8:43AM
So awesome... but one day she will become a meal for them.
Al May 3rd 2011 8:44AM
If there is one thing we have learned about wild animals is that they can be curious or vicious and there isn't a way of reading their minds or understanding their instinct. The one thing we have learned about humans is that they are stupid when it comes to understanding other animals.
unclerd May 3rd 2011 9:07AM
nice video... BUT REMEMBER, this is a wildlife sanctuary and these aren't wild cheetahs. they are fed by humans every day (a friend has been to that sanctuary) and are not afraid of people, (a zoo atmosphere) and do not kill unless they are attacked. do get me wrong, beautiful animals and they do a good job keeping the specie alive and healthy, it's just not realistic that you could go out on a motorcycle, stop and play with a bunch of wild cheetahs. in the wild, you never see that many cats in one area (notice the fence) you couldnt do this with lions or leopards thats for sure.
Joe May 3rd 2011 8:53AM
Lighten up Dennis. She is a total hottie.
sue May 3rd 2011 8:55AM
My question is: WHY????
Christine May 3rd 2011 8:57AM
I love all animals, and I think, this is mean, of her to do. What is the purpose?