Hello, my name is Jeanne Bathgate, and I am a
long-haul Airline Captain. Flying aeroplanes has
always been my ambition, right from the age of
five. Thankfully a supportive family,
perseverance and guidance helped me to realize my
aim.
I began work as a Flying Instructor near to London when I was nineteen. Later, when I had gained more qualifications, I worked as an Air Taxi pilot, flying jockeys to horse racing meetings, and businessmen or celebrities to destinations around Europe.
The next step was as a Cargo pilot, which gave me the opportunity to fly a large four engine propeller aircraft, now only seen in a museum!
Finally, I became an Airline pilot nearly 21 years ago, and have held the position of Captain for ten years on the Boeing 747 aircraft. I am extremely fortunate not only to realize my childhood dream, but also to become a wife and mother.
My work takes me all over the world, and recently I became aware of a project to rescue some captive-bred lions only 30 minutes from Cape Town in South Africa.
I have become deeply involved in helping to raise awareness about the disturbing plight of these farmed lions who are destined to become the trophies for hunters in what is known as a ‘Canned’ hunt. A 'Canned' hunt is when animals have been specifically bred to be used in a captive trophy hunt. Sadly, few laws exist that protect the welfare of these animals but the lions which are rescued by Paul Hart and the Drakenstein Lion Park are the lucky ones.
I am dedicated to raising funds for the construction of some new homes ('Camps') so that Paul can rescue up to 20 animals, and give them a safe new home. It is imperative that we try and complete this work before February 2008 when legislation changes will mean many captive bred lions will be abandoned or worse.
Drakenstein is a very special place and visitors are most welcome to come and stay overnight in the Ingonyama tented camp, giving them the opportunity to 'Sleep with the lions'. Having done this myself, I can highly recommend it. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A Volunteer programme will be available soon, and details of lion adoption programmes, special events and all the incredible lions’ stories are also found on the website.
With whatever spare time I have, I try to find some attention and funding for the lions, and hope that Paul will be able to raise enough money to build the new homes by February. Hopefully, there will be a happy ending to the story for at least a handful of lions.
More information about Paul the amazing work he does at Drakenstein Lion Park rescue facility can be found at:
I began work as a Flying Instructor near to London when I was nineteen. Later, when I had gained more qualifications, I worked as an Air Taxi pilot, flying jockeys to horse racing meetings, and businessmen or celebrities to destinations around Europe.
The next step was as a Cargo pilot, which gave me the opportunity to fly a large four engine propeller aircraft, now only seen in a museum!
Finally, I became an Airline pilot nearly 21 years ago, and have held the position of Captain for ten years on the Boeing 747 aircraft. I am extremely fortunate not only to realize my childhood dream, but also to become a wife and mother.
My work takes me all over the world, and recently I became aware of a project to rescue some captive-bred lions only 30 minutes from Cape Town in South Africa.
I have become deeply involved in helping to raise awareness about the disturbing plight of these farmed lions who are destined to become the trophies for hunters in what is known as a ‘Canned’ hunt. A 'Canned' hunt is when animals have been specifically bred to be used in a captive trophy hunt. Sadly, few laws exist that protect the welfare of these animals but the lions which are rescued by Paul Hart and the Drakenstein Lion Park are the lucky ones.
I am dedicated to raising funds for the construction of some new homes ('Camps') so that Paul can rescue up to 20 animals, and give them a safe new home. It is imperative that we try and complete this work before February 2008 when legislation changes will mean many captive bred lions will be abandoned or worse.
Drakenstein is a very special place and visitors are most welcome to come and stay overnight in the Ingonyama tented camp, giving them the opportunity to 'Sleep with the lions'. Having done this myself, I can highly recommend it. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A Volunteer programme will be available soon, and details of lion adoption programmes, special events and all the incredible lions’ stories are also found on the website.
With whatever spare time I have, I try to find some attention and funding for the lions, and hope that Paul will be able to raise enough money to build the new homes by February. Hopefully, there will be a happy ending to the story for at least a handful of lions.
More information about Paul the amazing work he does at Drakenstein Lion Park rescue facility can be found at:
Thank
you for reading about my life and concerns.
If you would like to help the lions in any way at all, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Email: savelions@aol.com
If you would like to help the lions in any way at all, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Email: savelions@aol.com
Jeanne
Bathgate