Akwaaba Lodge in South Africa is situated on a 72 hectare farm just 19 km outside of Rustenburg, on the Koster Road, a mere 1 hour 30 minutes from Johannesburg. It is also home to Predator Park where those staying at the guest lodge can also view some of the wild animals of Africa. The animals that are in the Predator Park are Siberian White Tigers, Lions, Black Leopards, Ocelots, Lynx, Servals, Cheetahs, Jaguars, Hyenas and Wild dogs.

It was not too long ago and in this setting that five baby animals were all abandoned by their mothers because they were the runts of the litter. Their chances of survival were slim. But now the three lions, a tiger, and a spotted hyena are experiencing happier times.

Layla, the owner of the lodge describes it this way, 'The animals were born in the lodge but I had to adopt them after they were rejected by their mothers - for being the runts of the family. In the wild, they would not have stood a chance of survival without their mother's protection. So it's nice to see them growing up together.'

The babies share the same living enclosures and even share meal times together. According to Layla, 'They do squabble over food and the dominant one - the tiger - will come and take her share first. But I try to ensure that all the animals get the same amount and the same cut of meat to prevent them from fighting. After meal times they usually cuddle up together and have a nap.'

Bella the tiger who is five months old, is the leader of the pack, while the three lions, Delano, Romeo and Maximus, are also five months, but more timid. The eldest, Milika the hyena, who is six months old is the most mischievous in the motley crew. She is the naughtiest of them all and is very boisterous and likes to play fight with her siblings.


While the babies are enjoying each other now, these cute and cuddly creatures will eventually transform into predators in two year's time. At this time they will have to be split up and live in separate enclosures. But for now, life is great for the mismatched Five.