The Elephant in the Living Room (2010)

I decided to mention this awesome doc especially as there have been quite a few stories in the SA news lately of people keeping wild animals as pets namely, Humphrey the hippo who was a like a son to his owner before turning around and killing him and more recently, the Brakpan morons who are raising their tiger as a cat in their home (with 18 dogs nogals). I'm sure it wont be long before we will be reading the same tragic headlines that was bestowed on Humphrey's owner.

Elephant in the Living Room is a tragic tale on uneducated people who keep exotic wild animals as pets. Needless to say, it rarely ends very well. The very fact that its not illegal in some American states to own African wild animals/have permits etc is a travesty. People get these animals as small cuddly balls of fluff but unfortunately, they dont stay that way. Even more sad is that the trade in these animals is a thriving business all over the world.

The doc is based on Tim Harrison, who has made it his lifes work to curb and educate the public on owning wild animals and Terry Brumfield, who happens to own 2 lions that he has raised since cubs. His love for these lions is absolutely undeniable but their living conditions leave you wanting to weep however, you cant help but feel so sorry for the circumstances that Terry finds himself in.

I cant really give any more info on this film without spoiling it but its a MUST see, its brilliantly filmed with unexpected twists and turns that you cant possibly see coming. You also get a small glimpse into the wildlife auctions where every imaginable animal is auctioned and stories of animals being abandoned, released etc when their owners realise they have bitten off more than they can chew. I have always been against the ownership of wild animals but seeing it first hand in this film, has absolutely confirmed to me that it should be illegal in every country worldwide.

Do yourselves a favour and watch this, its brilliant and deserves every award!

Animals are Beautiful People (1974)

Here's one for us South Africans...who could forget this..well, I did. For 28 years. And I cannot tell you how happy I am that I came across it again after all this time. Formerly known back in the day as just "Beautiful People" the film puts a new(old) spin on nature documentaries.

I can emphatically say that even thou this film was made in 1974, it has not aged a day. I found it just as fantastic, delightful and entertaining as I did when i was a kid. The drama, action, romance, hilarious comedy and musical timing was a treat to watch again. How did I ever forget the drunk animals on marula fruit, the salt eating monkey, the *get away* bird and the poor lost warthog.

Do yourselves a favour and watch this one with your kids..its an absolute gem and a true African classic. What I also enjoyed was there were very few "sad" moments eg: no out-bursts of tears from said little ones when the lion eats the baby buck. It was just pure joy from beginning to end. Maybe a little unrealistic as far as proper nature docs go but still...

 You can bet your arse Ill be sitting this film through again with my little one on the weekend. And quite simply, I cant wait!!