Beer with the cheetahs

The plan had been to feed the cheetahs again but this almost didn't happen as we got a call from the lodge while making the trap to say a couple of visiting tourists had requested a last minute feeding. Fortunately for us, we weren't able to get back in time for them. This is a huge relief as I had been looking forward to this evening; we were having beer with the cheetahs. So, once again we're back at the enclosure and as we enter the cheetahs surround us and stamp their feet. We're tense but are reassured it's perfectly safe. 

On the platform, this time we delay the feeding and instead sit down in the centre, with the cheetahs eagerly circling hoping for food. It feels like we're breaking all the safety rules: don't show your back and don't make yourself small! We open the beers and relax. Eventually the cheetahs do the same. It turns out to be another high point of the week. A very unusual and extraordinary experience.