With a camera in my hand, I have had the opportunity of meeting some absolutely incredible and inspiring people. The Fernandes family is one such example.
I was introduced to Justin and Rosa Fernandes in December 2015, while on a bike shoot with Bike SA. And what an introduction, a lion licking my leg and a tiger trying to chew a Triumph Tiger. Being so close to these incredible cats was such an amazing experience. Something you learn really quickly is that while they are lions and Tigers, they are simply a larger version of your domestic cat, although I fear if they had to sit on your keyboard… there might be nothing left.
Three years down the line and what an incredible friendship with this family who makes you feel like family from the moment you meet them.
Through hail storms, frightening lightning and all night patrols this family protected their cats in the less ideal enclosure while building their new forever home over two hours away in VaalWater.
Permits sorted, ( eventually) the day of the great move arrived, with an incredible vet on sight to ensure the darting went well and the cat’s vitals stayed perfect while the volunteers brushed mane’s, cleaned teeth and clipped nails, pen by pen.
Check out the images below to see the emotional, stressful yet truly happy occasion of moving the Jugomaro Family to their new home.
Unfortunately, it has taken me a while to write this article as four of the amazing cats where poisoned with the intent of poaching just three weeks after moving into their forever home.
Taariq, Elvis, Hercules and Kai we will always miss you.
https://www.facebook.com/Jugomaro/
All images were taken with the Olympus OMD EM-1 Mark II or the Olympus PEN-F
Meghan McCabe Photography
meghan mccabe photography 