On the outskirts of Phoenix, an eclectic assortment of wild animals lives at "Out of Africa". This wild-beast-and-reptile sanctuary is host to large predatory cats such as lions, tigers, cougars and leopards, plus a menagerie of other wild creatures including 16-foot pythons, ancient tortoises, exotic birds and giant lizards. This extraordinary educational center enthralls audiences with live interactions between wild animals and people. In some animal encounters, audience members are invited to spontaneously pet and play with the critters.

    "We want to do things in a non-traditional way," states founder Dean Harrison. "Our objectives focus on co-existing with the wildest of all large land predators. At the park we work hard to teach kindness to all of the cats, so that when they grow up and a hierarchy develops, the ruler will be a benevolent one."

    Dean and his wife, Prayeri, often share a bed with some of the large furry felines which can weigh over 600 pounds. The trusting couple never carries any weapons or physical means of defense. The results of this close connection are countless incidences of these creatures exhibiting intelligent, caring behavior toward the Harrisons. Dean and Prayeri soon discovered that their own benevolent style of living and playing with lions and tigers – species other than their own – influenced other species that are not usually best friends. Remarkably, several natural adversaries in the park opened to the idea of living together peacefully.

    Acting on an intuitive vision, Dean decided to put three of the most competitive natural enemies in the state of Arizona into the same fenced outdoor living space: mountain lions, wolves and black bears. At first, these adolescent wild animals – four mountain lions, four Arizona gray wolves and four Arizona black bears – were scared and hostile toward each other. They roared ferociously and even attacked each other. Each group claimed its own territory inside the compound and did not trespass into another group's area. However, after days of warning attacks, hostile posturing and growling, something remarkable happened.

    Dangerously alone, the female wolf-pack leader left the safety of her group and sauntered into the territory claimed by the mountain lions. She lay down and rolled over onto her back in a deliberate, submissive posture in front of the four lions exposing her throat and stomach to her enemies, making herself totally vulnerable to injury or even death. The juvenile cats cautiously approached the she-wolf and began a fairly lengthy process of sniffing and careful investigation. Eventually, the gigantic felines and lone she-wolf began to play together. Before long, the rest of the wolf pack joined in to complete the newly formed, frisky alliance.

    After successfully breaking through the boundaries of the mountain lions, the furry gray peacemaker ventured into the territory of the bears. Repeating the same unprecedented behavior, the female wolf lay down in the same submissive posture to the four black bears. Once again, after a lengthy getting acquainted period, the bears and wolf began to frolic. Soon, the other wolves joined in.

    Eventually all three natural enemies overcame their inborn instincts to remain separate and hostile. This inspiring demonstration by young lions, wolves and bears shows how natural enemies can alter their consciousness and change their relationships in order to live and play in harmony, and how one member of a group can effectively transform the consciousness of a whole community.

From the roots of indigenous cultures and ancient spiritual traditions, Keith Varnum shares the underlying principles of all healing, transformation and success. After curing himself of blindness, Keith has refined these practical secrets in his 30-year career as an author, therapist, filmmaker, acupuncturist, radio talk-show host, gourmet chef, vice-president of a natural foods company and international seminar leader with his Dream Workshops and Sedona Shaman Vision Quest. Keith helps people get the love, abundance and body they want through his free Prosperity CD and Prosperity Ezine at www.TheDream.com.

To learn more about the wild-beast-and-reptile sanctuary Out of Africa log onto www.outofafricapark.com.