WHF BIG CATS SANCTUARY, KENT
Privileged Access to Big Cats
The Wildlife Heritage Foundation Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent houses a number of endangered big cats with a view to breeding and, where possible, re-introduction to the wild. Although this centre is not open to the general public, Photographers On Safari have arranged for photographers to have privileged up-close access to these amazing animals. There are now 40 cats now on site - most of which we will have access to.
Sumatran, Bengal & Siberian Tigers
There are currently less than 300 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. At the current attrition rate, there will be none left in the wild by 2014. There is a male "Nias" and a female "Puna" present here. They successfully raised 2 cubs here from 2008 to 2010 and now have a second litter of two -born August 2011. There are currently 4 additional tigers here to photograph.
Sumatran Tiger Cubs Born 10th August 2011
Nias & Puna mated throughout the first week of May and Puna had her second litter of cubs on August 10th 2011. Photographers on Safari were the first company to be permitted to photograph these two cubs in November 2011. We ran workshops on 8 consecutive days and all photographers had two sessions with the cubs and some amazing pictures were taken by all. These cubs will be available to photograph throughout 2012.
Amur Leopards & Snow Leopards
There are four Amur Leopards here. They are the world's most endangered cat. Some share the same enclosure and there is often great interaction between them. Action shots are the order of the day here. Leopards always offer great photo opportunities while snarling and grumbling. This does not mean that they are angry or upset -it is just normal Leopard behaviour.
New Arrival in 2011 - White Lion
March 2011 has seen the arrival of a stunning animal to WHF. There is a fabulous two year old male White Lion. He has the large enclosure that originally housed the three African Lions all to himself. He proudly patrols this enclosure with his head held high. He acts as if he is royalty. This beautiful animal is one of the firm favourites at this venue.
African Lions, Cheetah & Serval
No big cat collection would be complete without lions. Photograph these magnificent animals from just a few feet away and be amazed at the power of their jaws as they crunch large bones right next to you. The cheetah and servals complete this collection and again provide wonderful photo opportunities. There are now TWO servals on site and it is hoped trhat 2012 will see them have their first liotter of kittens.
Pumas, Lynx, Pallas Cats, Rusty Spotted Cats, Fishing Cats
2008 & 2011 saw new enclosures built at WHF. It has allowed new species to be brought into this wonderful collection. The Lynx is a gorgeous cat and one that everyone wants to photograph. The Pallas Cats are more tricky to capture, and their eyes pop out as if on stalks. The Pumas have a fantastic new enclosure and are high on everyone's photo list. The pictures of these two cats jumping to and from logs over a pool of water really are something special. The backgrounds are quite superb. The Rusty Spotted Cats and the Fishing Cats are the latest arrivals here.
Clouded Leopards, Black Leopard & Chinese Leopards
A new enclosure was completed in September 2009 and houses two nocturnal and normally very secretive Clouded Leopards. These now appear during daylight hours on a regular basis and you can photograph animals rarely seen by human eyes. 2010 saw the arrival of a Black Leopard, Khan, from Santago. The Chinese Leopards have a brand new enclosure built in honour of Pete James who owned leopards for many years and successfully bred from them. The female Chinese Leopard is now providing some great photographs.
Large Enclosures means Natural Photos
The enclosures here are large, and it is possible to photograph the cats with trees and bushes as backgrounds. This makes for stunning photographs that are not normally achievable in captive conditions. The shot of a Puma leaping over the water is most people's favourite.
Wildlife Photography Tips & Tuition
The day begins with a half hour presentation on how best to get some great big cats photos during the day. One to one advice is available and actively encouraged throughout the day. Learn new techniques while taking fantastic photographs. No other organisation gives the level of tuition that is provided by Photographers on Safari at this venue.
Up Close to your Subjects
Long lenses are not a requirement here. Some of you may choose to use a telephoto lens for headshots, but you will regularly be close enough to your subjects to use nothing more than a standard lens.
Restricted Group Size (10)
We will not be trying to cram an inordinate amount of photographers into one big cats day. Group sizes will be strictly limited to just TEN PHOTOGRAPHERS for this event. Smaller group sizes will undoubtedly provide our clients with a FAR SUPERIOR EXPERIENCE while attending UK's most popular Wildlife Photography Workshop.
Absolute Novices Welcome
You do not have to be a budding professional to enjoy this venue. A total novice with no more than a compact camera will go home with some great shots of these wonderful animals. You will be close enough to them to smell their breath.
Customer's Recommendation
I would like to thank you again for hosting this wonderful event. The privileged access, the in depth knowledge & enthusiasm shown by the staff made it a fantastic day. I must also comment on your expert & helpful attitude shown to our group, irrespective of experience or equipment. Everyone was full of praise for the whole day. I would particularly like to thank you for the help you gave me, especially with the custom white balance settings & fill-in flash. I felt I learned a lot that day and I hope it shows in my pictures (attached). Once again, thank you for a fantastic day & I am already planning which "Photographers On Safari" event to go on next. Paul Hancock.
**********************************************************************
Click here for more Big Cat Photos.
**********************************************************************
Typical Itinerary
09.00 to 09.25 Meet and greet + teas / coffees
09.30 Group tuition and safety briefing
10.10 to 1.00 Photograph under controlled conditions with one to one tuition as necessary
1.00 to 1.45 Lunch (provided)
1.45 to 4.00 Photograph under controlled conditions with one to one tuition as necessary
4.00 Close
Event Cost and Dates for 2012 :
sat. mAR 17th sold out
FRI. APRIL 6th 9.30AM - 4.00PM £145.00 BANK HOLIDAY
sun. APRIL 8th sold out
sat. MAY 5th sold out
MON. MAY 7th 9.30AM - 4.00PM £145.00 BANK HOLIDAY sold out
sat. june 2nd 9.30AM - 4.00PM £145.00
MON.JUNE 4TH 9.30AM - 4.00PM £145.00 BANK HOLIDAY
Please note that some of the dates have been arranged so that they can be combined with the Gorilla Workshops on consecutive days to save on travelling expenses.
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
Specialist's Event for Max. 6 Photographers
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
We have also come to a special agreement with WHF, whereby we can run exactly the same format (excluding weekends) with just SIX photographers present. This means that you will have a really fantastic opportunity to take your pictures from exactly the angle you choose. There should be no reason why you will not leave this venue with a considerable number of really stunning shots. The animals can be encouraged to perform directly in front of you, thus enabling you to go home with a number of photographs of a real "professional standard". Both group, and one-to-one tuition will be available throughout the day. Time will also be set aside for reviewing the photos you have taken during the morning. Constructive advice on any potential areas of improvement to your photography will then be offered where appropriate. Cost of this workshop is £199.00
Specialist Event Cost and Dates for 2012 :
FRI. mAR 16th sold out
MON. mAR 19th sold out
THURS. APRIL 5th 9.30AM - 4.00PM £199.00
TUES APRIL 10th sold out
FRI. mAY 4th sold out
TUES. mAY 8th sold out
FRI. JUNE 1ST 9.30AM - 4.00PM £199.00
WED. JUNE 6th 9.30AM - 4.00PM £199.00
Please note that some of the dates have been arranged so that they can be combined with the Gorilla Workshops on consecutive days to save on travelling expenses.
NB. This event can be arranged most times of the year (weekdays only) when 6 persons are wishing to partake. Please register your interest if the above date is not suitable.
