This is a break from normal service to tell you about something that has kinda changed my life…
As a lifelong animal lover, I’m forever grateful to have had an overnight stay at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent last weekend – some of you may have seen the TV series during which hand-reared Maya the mighty jaguar learned to swim, to help her strength/coordination after being malnourished at 5 days old, or watched Willow the cheetah who had a fractured front paw as a cub, but who now spends her life purring at top volume (captured in my video – link below!).
I had the opportunity to witness the pure beauty & majesty of these creatures up close, and to know a little bit about what goes into caring for them. The lion pictured above was rescued from the circus industry, for example. Kasanga – he’s a big boy.
I was in awe from start to finish.
Watch the highlights with sound up with this video I made about the weekend.
Confession: I definitely (briefly) considered uprooting everything and moving nearby, so I could hear roars punctuate my day and work gradually on the level of sweet talk required to let me stroke and snuggle up to them (apparently a definite ‘no no’ even for the staff, and we did promise my Mum I’d come back with all my fingers).
Dinner with the white lionesses, Izulu and Zuri.
Did you know that one of the ‘enrichment’ items, rotated between these very good boys and girls for stimulation (along with cardboard boxes – because they’re basically giant kittycats – hessian bags & balls) is PERFUME, left by keepers as fun scent trails for them to ponder and follow around their enclosure? Apparently, frankincense is a fave.
(… Shall we let them know that Leafology does a lovely range of natural perfume, and frankincense features regularly in our various oils? I think we have an in…)
Powerful, wild & unpredictable, as all the best things are, my dream of being Jasmine with a tiger called Rajah sank deep into me as a child. 🐅This visit made me feel 5 years old again.
Nothing prepares you for the spiritual feeling of sharing space with them, and no words (or reel) can do this experience justice. 💗🥹🦁
Is your dream day anything like this?
FRANKINCENSE [Botanical name: Boswellia carterii]
Frankincense oil is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has been used for centuries in skincare for its rejuvenating and healing properties. Frankincense oil can assist in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion. It also has a calming effect on the skin and can help soothe and balance oily or irritated skin.
(And apparently turns on big cats.)
Find it in the
- Christmas Spirit Soy Wax Candle
- Frankincense & Tea Seed Magic Eye Night Serum
- Good Face Day Serum with Green Tea, Raspberry Seed & Juniper
- Precious Petals Beauty Balm with Organic Rosehip, Moringa & Tea Seed
- Wild Mother Nourishing Bump Oil with Organic Rosehip, Calendula & Neroli
- Earth Leaf-Aroma
- Captain’s Charm [Everything Balm]
- Foaming Minerals [Noël].