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You Can Now Take Part In A Terrifying Lion Cage Experience

You Can Now Take Part In A Terrifying Lion Cage Experience

The GG lion sanctuary allows brave visitors to stand in a plexiglass cage to witness the African lions up close.

Lisa McLoughlin

Lisa McLoughlin

We've discovered the on-land version of shark cage diving - and if you're a thrill-seeker looking for your next adventure post-pandemic, perhaps this is it.

The GG lion sanctuary in Harrismith, South Africa, allows brave visitors to stand within a plexiglass cage to see stunning African lions in a safe and humane way.

Inside, lucky animal enthusiasts can observe the majestic beasts from tantalising closeness in the sanctuary, which protects lions which have been rescued in and around the area.

Carefully placed bars and holes allow the entrants to get within inches of the lions, as the fascinated animals crawl and sprawl all over the structure.

Photographer and director of the non-profit company, Suzanne Scott shared several amazing pictures showing thrill-seeking tourists meeting the lions who clawed away at the cage.

Speaking of the experience, the 53-year-old said: "We have been offering this experience for almost two years now and the safety of both our guests and big cats is top priority.

Thrill-seeking tourists can get up close and personal with the lions (credit: Caters)
Thrill-seeking tourists can get up close and personal with the lions (credit: Caters)

"The original photography cage was donated to us by a German professional photographer who regularly visits, which we adapted into the lion experience cube after a German TV show filmed here using a plexiglass cube."

Suzanne added that the cubes are "regularly checked by an engineer" to make sure it can safely carry the weight of a lion should (and when) climb on top of it.

Discussing the benefits of the cube to the wildlife, she explained: "It offers the lions enrichment in the form of mental and physical stimulation - which is good for any animals in captivity.

The wildlife enjoys climbing on top of the plexiglass cube (credit: Caters)
The wildlife enjoys climbing on top of the plexiglass cube (credit: Caters)

"As a non-profit sanctuary relying solely on donations, the cubes rates offer us a small income which directly helps us to feed and protect the lions in our care.

"We are expecting another 17 to arrive later this year which we are currently in the process of rescuing from a closed down zoo in the Middle East."

As a concept, lion cages are pretty similar to shark diving cages, the underwater activity which has become a hit with adrenaline-loving tourists.

A tourist showing no fear as they photograph a lion (credit: Caters)
A tourist showing no fear as they photograph a lion (credit: Caters)

However, British thrill-seekers will have to wait to visit to the sanctuary as South Africa remains on the UK's red travel list and all but essential travel to the country is advised against.

Fingers crossed restrictions ease soon as this is one adventure we'd love to try!

Featured Image Credit: Caters

Topics: Life, travel, Animals