Leopard caught on camera while taking a relaxing dip in spa hot tub
July 9th, 2009 - 5:19 pm ICT by ANILondon, July 9 (ANI): It seems that leopards too believe in beauty treatments, for a wild big cat was recently caught on camera taking a break from her cubs with a relaxing dip in an outdoor spa hot tub.
She even found time for a rest on a lounger after her wash.
In the picture, the big cat can be seen creeping onto the balcony of a cabin in Tintswalo Safari Lodge, in South Africa.
Guests stood at a safe distance and watched the leopard, capable of killing a buffalo, slip into the warm bubbling water at dusk.
The big cat took her dip outside the lodges spa centre, usually frequented by human visitors for pampering and beauty treatments.
“We were all watching from a safe distance because this was a wild big cat, it was absolutely amazing to watch her take a bath just like one of us,” the Telegraph quoted Mike Clarke, from Tintswalo Safari Lodge, which lies on the edge of the Kruger National Park, as saying.
“We have had a few leopard mothers who stay close to the lodges because of the safety of it when they have cubs.
“This mum must have decided it was time for some time to herself and decided to come over to the spa.
“She acted just like a person might do after a hard day at work or with the kids.
“After she had relaxed and decided she was clean enough, she simply got up and made her back into the bush, it was incredible,” he added.
Clarke, who helps run the 5,000-a-night lodge, revealed that the cat was caught on camera just three weeks ago by staff at the park.
“We offer everything you could imagine at the park, but nowadays we are getting leopards, lions, buffalo and even herds of elephants coming through, it’s a very special experience,” he said.
“Obviously we make sure all the guests are safe because these are still wild animals and our wardens make sure everyone is aware of what’s going on,” he added. (ANI)
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Tags: balcony, beauty treatments, big cat, bubbling water, cubs, dusk, elephants, herds, human visitors, kruger national park, leopards, mike clarke, outdoor spa, safari lodge, safe distance, spa centre, spa hot tub, tub london, wardens, wild animals