We arrived at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust and were treated to an informative and intriguing talk about the history of the Cheetah Breeding Project at De Wildt from two dynamic presenters. We all enjoyed this immensely. Then came the game drive. The delegates were thrilled to see so much wildlife variety. Wang from China was very excited to see a cheetah and it was wonderful to see how he was running with the cheetah to video them. Some of the more spectacular animals which we saw, included African Wild Dogs, Brown Hyena, an African Wild Cat, a Caracal and very specially a King Cheetah and an albino badger!  We also saw Cape Griffons, Egyptian Vultures and Lappetface Vultures. We could not believe how large the Lappetface was!

Later Byron was introduced to us. He is a young cheetah which has been trained to be De Wildt’s ambassador. He will lie on a table and allow people to stroke him, while Marion is keeping a very close eye on him. Nobody wanted to get involved with a playful cheetah. Each delegate got the wonderful opportunity to stroke Byron. Some were a little apprehensive; some really worried, but all were very excited at this prospect. They were to come into the room from the back in absolute silence so as not to frighten him and then they could gently stroke him. This, for everyone, was an experience of mammoth proportions - one that will surely never be repeated.