Proposal in a lion’s den
This lucky girl got engaged in a lion's den on TV.
Blindfolded at a big cat sanctuary – the perfect setting for the most romantic engagement.
Janine Snyman and her boyfriend Lee Barnand visited the Jabula Big Cat Sanctuary in March, while she was under the impression they were going to pick up water pumps.
On arrival at the sanctuary, members of the park invited the couple to a walk through the various lion and cheetah enclosures.
“I was so amazed at how connected Craig Busch, also known as the Lion man, is to his animals,” said Janine.
On this brief tour of the park Janine had the opportunity to spend time in nature and get close to the wild animals she is so fond of.
At the end of their surprise tour Craig asked Janine if she would like to feed the giraffe while the men fetch the ‘parts’ they came for.
Upon their return, Craig asked the couple if they would like meet one last special lion, Thembi as part of his television series he is busy filming for Animal Planet on DStv.
“We decided to participate as it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” laughed Janine.
Janine and Lee were blindfolded and led to the lion.
“I was a bit nervous at first; more about appearing on TV than being in a lion’s enclosure blindfolded.”
When Janine’s blindfold was taken off, Lee was on his knee, asking her hand in marriage with the white lion in the background as witness.
“I was speechless. It was so amazing. Obviously I said yes.”
To Janine’s surprise the visit to Magaliesburg was not to pick up any parts but to get engaged.
The couple was spoiled with an overnight stay at the sanctuary and enjoyed delicious food and the good company of the one and only world-famous Lion man.
Be sure not to miss this special love story on The Lion man: One World on Tuesday 14 July at 5.30pm and 9pm on Animal Planet.
“It was such a great pleasure to be part of the special engagement of the young couple beside Thembi, the great white lion. What a special moment,” said Craig.
