Mauritius is a developed country with many
adventure options. One that makes the first cut is the Casela World of Nature
at Cascavelle. This 14-hectare nature park is the only place on the island
where you can walk with lions. My aim was to enter the lion enclosure and get
close to the king of the jungle. Given the options of taking an hour-long walk
with the wild beast, a chance to touch the lion or just to see it from outside
the enclosure, we choice to enter his territory.
A group of just eight members are allowed
inside the enclosure at a time. We are first given a short session of
instructions to follow once inside the enclosure. A plastic rod has to be held
in our hand, which has to be placed close to the lion’s body while touching it.
One cannot walk or bend down in front of the lion nor make any attempts to
touch its face, paws or tail.
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Loaded with information and armed with the
rods that had clear markings of bites and nails, we entered the enclosure
filled with anticipation and excitement to see one lion and nearly eight
lionesses in one spot. There are timings marked for interaction sessions as the
lions have a strict food and nap schedule. While everyone else is given enough
time to pet the back and stomach of one lion, I was lucky enough to pet three,
a lion and two lionesses, thanks to their impatience. However, thanks to the
experienced team belonging to three generations apt in lion handling, training
and expertise, we completed our tryst with the king of the jungle and exited
the enclosure safely.
The park has an hour-long safari tour that
offers a glimpse of the animals inhabiting the island, from zebras, giraffes,
ostriches, rhinos and deer. You also get the opportunity to feed and touch
them. The bird enclosure has a variety of nearly 1,500 birds and the tortoise
area has giant tortoises that are older than most of visitors of the park. The
entire area can be explored by quad, buggy or segway.
Another thrill factor is the the longest
zip line circuit in the Indian Ocean including hanging bridges. Fishing
enthusiasts can fish at the fishing pond, though you cannot take your catch
home; you have to release the fish back into the water, unharmed.
