As a young child I've always only heard about this lushes green save haven.
Where animals roam and have more freedom and space than any of the other places that are similar.
As years passed I forgot about this sanctuary and the intrigue it use to arouse in me.
The curiosity and interest it awoke in the mind of child has long gone, and so as the innocents of of that child.
Four years ago, as a young adult, I found myself standing, in the middle of this haven, surrounded by animals from across the world.
Siberian tigers from southern east Siberia and northern east China, African lions, axolotl from Mexico, Malawi cichlids from Lake Malawi, Sichuan takin a native to Tibet, Plains zebra, Nyala, Sable, meerkats, pygmy hippos, cheetah and so the list goes on.
This pristine 85 hectares of safety has been an amazing learning place for me. Not just when it comes to the work I do whilst there, but also learning about the 3117 specimens of 209 mammal species, 1358 specimens of 202 bird species, 3871 specimens of 190 fish species, 388 specimens of 4 invertebrate species, 309 specimens of 93 reptile species, and 44 specimens of 7 amphibian species.
The people working with all the animals are astounding to say the least. From dealing with dangerous animals to difficult people. Being in the back of a closed vehicle with three semi adult lions in there with you, and one wakes up, now that's not for the faint at heart. To being charged by a fully grown adult female Bongo (210-253 kg (462-557 lbs))
Last week filming there was astounding. To be able to witness immobilizations, darting, vasectomies, ultrasounds and tooth trimming was a rare opportunity for someone like me.
I'm finding myself feeling like this location has become a sanctuary for me as well and the child inside me, that's been gone for so long, as returned.
