A safari holiday is a once in a lifetime experience for many travellers. Exploring vast unspoilt plains, reserves and national parks, filled with breath-taking scenery and elusive animals. Everyone has a must-see, whether it's the gentle elephants, fierce lions, cheetahs, rhinos or a whole multitude of other animals. It is, however, getting increasingly difficult to find these beautiful animals as their habitats are slowly encroached upon, poachers continue to operate illegally killing for skins, ivory and often selling any young to zoos or circuses.

There are many charities who are dedicated to helping wild animals get back to the wild or, for those who are unsuitable for re-release, to sanctuaries where they can live in peace away from cages and cruelty. Every year they strive to free more animals from their captors and you can help by sponsoring or volunteering.

A victim of such cruelty was Menelik, just a tiny cheetah cub found tied up in a shop in Ethiopia, starved and sick. He would not have lasted much longer if it wasn't for Born Free. Now he has a large enclosure at Born Free's Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre and is fully recovered and helping to educate others on the issues surrounding conservation.

No safari is complete without at least a glimpse of a lion, the icon of Africa. Even though the ones you see on the plains seem magnificent and untameable, even the mighty lion has been subjected to appalling conditions when taken out of their natural habitat. Achee and Ma Juah are two lionesses who were rescued from a car park and concrete pit in Libya. Underfed and alone, these two were moved back to South Africa and became firm friends.

There are sanctuaries scattered throughout Africa each with animals with their own stories of captivity and cruelty. Various groups work tirelessly to track down and save animals in captivity and many choose to contribute through sponsored walks and runs as well as through car boot sales, by writing to the government to encourage stricter rules and regulations when it comes to animal safety or even adopting an animal. Each person can make a huge difference and who knows, it could be your letter that sways the hand of a government or captor to help look after the animals in their care. Animals can't speak out for themselves; they need you to be their voice.

So next time you see photos from someone's safari holidays, remember those not lucky enough to be roaming wild through Africa.

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