Africa, Part 3: Joburg | Aug 2011

Photos from various places around Johannesburg, including Soweto, the Cradle of Humanity and Pretoria. Plus - more animals at the end! Part 3 of a three-week trip to South Africa and Mozambique. See the other parts! Africa, Part 1: Safari Africa, Part 2: Pemba

<span id="title">Petting a Cheetah</span>
<em>Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre</em>
Not only did we get to see three separate cheetahs run at full speed, then we got to pet one! This is one of their 'ambassador' cheetahs that they take to schools and events to promote awareness. The handler coaxed the cheetah onto the table with food, and then it just laid down and started purring - LOUDLY. I guess it really likes being petted.
We were instructed only to pet between the shoulder and hip bone. Not scratching the ears or rubbing the belly allowed - not because the cheetah wouldn't enjoy it, but because if he twitched he could tear a giant gash in you.

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Petting a Cheetah Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre Not only did we get to see three separate cheetahs run at full speed, then we got to pet one! This is one of their 'ambassador' cheetahs that they take to schools and events to promote awareness. The handler coaxed the cheetah onto the table with food, and then it just laid down and started purring - LOUDLY. I guess it really likes being petted. We were instructed only to pet between the shoulder and hip bone. Not scratching the ears or rubbing the belly allowed - not because the cheetah wouldn't enjoy it, but because if he twitched he could tear a giant gash in you.

africa animal ann ann van dyk centre cheetah dewildt jonathan pet south africa table versteeg wilson jawsnap joburg area 6135