Zeenat Vallie

“undisturbed waters, predatory reptiles and fluctuating heartbeats…”    TRAVEL Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm- Paarl This was planned weeks in advance. However, this was no ordinary trip to the park. It was an expedition to a farm. The trace of abrupt compost, linear rows of crops glistening with vitality, visceral herds of cattle grazing leisurely on a carpet of green were not present. Instead, a throng of vertebrates were clustered on parched land whilst some slithered beneath murky waters. This by far exceeded my preceding encounter with a scaly vertebrate. I am no stranger to iguanas which I often a times would unearth in my back yard followed by anguished shrieks which echoed from my vocals. The reptiles of interest were sentient twelve feet long, scaly beasts with well over seventy razor sharp teeth bulging out from the corner of their maxilla. Upon arrival, we were given a waiting period in which to linger until the next tour began and additionally recollect our fears and dispose of thereafter. The tour guide appeared in the briefing room clad in a simple black T-shirt labelled- Le Bonheur and matching black jeans. My attention was instantaneously fixed on him. There was the immediate recognition of knowledge power- him having years of experience with rapacious reptiles and I, the inquisitive amateur. My mind was resolute on penning down crucial mental notes. The information clung to me like water to grease and I entered the alligator’s playground with my defenceless being. Undisturbed waters, predatory reptiles and fluctuating heartbeats sheltered the fatal arena. My feet carried my body against the spiralling of my intestinal which was unsuccessful in coaxing me to spring back to safety. There was no way of backing out of something you’ve already set your mind too never mind the other sightseers following the tour guide hastily. I clutched on my handbag and glanced a look of desperation and courage towards my sister on the far left. I stepped onto the narrow pathway which rested in mid-air- above the reptile’s territory. I feigned an interested gaze upon the detailed plank which contained all the facts of the type of crocodile we were in conversation with- the type of alligator, the country to which it is endemic, the area it inhabits and the length of an adult male in comparison to an adult female which was significantly two meters longer. I then reached for my camera and snapped incessantly at the plank staring at me and as I moved away from it. As I treaded further and further, I was careful to steady in the centre of the trail. I could barely contain my impatience and when we finally reached the other end of the chilling lane; I breathed a sigh of relief. We were now nestled on a circular wooden shaft- deeper in the alligator’s locale. The tour guide then coolly cautioned everyone that he was about to seize a baby crocodile to which my heart responded with a weak flutter. Thankfully the crocodile sported tape around his elongated mouth which prevented him from attacking the brazen visitors. My valour was near approaching when each participant had the opportunity to hold the little beast. I watched in awe as the crocodile was passed on like a fragile new-born. After every one had their turn, the spotlight cast upon me to which I apprehensively responded that I would keep it but not on my own- I needed moral and physical support. My friend then offered his assistance to which I easily obliged. I placed my hand on the crocodile’s tail then loosely held it. I was oddly comfortable as I knew that my friend would take charge if the situation were to shift. Then, slowly I placed my hand flat on the crocodile’s rocky body which sent a shrill from my palms right through my entire body. I wanted to relive the thrill and set my hand on the abdomen which to my surprise was as squashy as a sponge. The crocodile did not flicker upon my touch. I noticed its eyes darting at me. At that moment I was reminded of animal instinct and prayed that this tranquil animal was not marking me and holding me in the depths of his grudging thoughts. I discarded this thought once I heard my sister’s burning question: “Do you want to hold it?”. Without giving it further thought I exclaimed: “Yes!”. My friend then gently transferred the crocodile from his hands to mine. He did not let go fully for fear I would drop the crocodile. I misjudged its weight and my arms plunged centimetres down. I quickly composed myself and bravely lifted the reptile in line with my chest. I held it there for a few minutes and cultivated comfort with the animal to which I posed for a few snaps. I then handed the crocodile back to my friend who willingly accepted it. I basked in my escapade and felt fulfilled that I had come face-to-face with my inherent fear. I wandered further off to sightsee and came across the big beasts. Spread across the lanky island lie two crocodiles in symmetry. They flashed their weapons with their wide-open mouths which to me seemed like the perfect predatory position which requires close contact and a split second for you to be clamped in-between their wide mouths. To my surprise, I learnt that the reason their jaws were flung wide open was in fact for ventilation- however I am still not convinced. What struck me was how motionless they were. If one were not aware, one would think they were faux. This spectacles their grand treachery. I cast off further suspicion as I was now surrounded by an assembly of sightseers from international origin. The Chinese duo was quite entertaining to observe as the one’s fear surpassed the other. I laughed inside, knowing that I was not the only one who was being mocked. This cast a cheerful mood on the rest of the afternoon. We watched as the visitors toyed around, dared the other to stand as close to the 12-foot crocodile then giggle in disbelief. The tour came to a halt when we internalised our solitary due to the tour guides departure. We then took a few more snaps and tapped the giant beast through a transparent glass. I then turned around and faced the narrow trail with a reformed perspective. I listlessly ambled along whilst the others were far ahead. As I glanced over to left, I caught sight of a crocodile casually gliding to the beat of my footsteps. Then and there I decided to quicken my pace and resorted to sprinting down the treacherous path to which I ran into the arms of safety*