Successful unveiling of the leopard sculpture

One of the most spectacular and wonderful projects we have had our eye on recently was successfully completed and unveiled a few days ago. The entrance area of ​​Rhulani Safari Lodge will now be decorated with a life-size sculpture of a leopard climbing down a tree - a real eye-catcher, we think. The creator of this unique piece is the South African artist Michael Cañadas. Watch the movie showing different stages up to delivery to Rhulani.

The idea came about sometime around six months ago, and Rhulani's owner Rolf Steiner comments: "In our efforts to become an ever better and more impressive safari lodge, we decided at some point that in the heart of Rhulani there should be an eye-catching work of art with a 'wow factor' that would captivate all guests as soon as they arrive."

After a bit of research, we came across the South African artist Michael Cañadas, whose life-size wildlife sculptures were very much aligned with our ideas. But we didn't want to buy a work of art from the warehouse, we wanted our own, which should be unique. And soon the idea of ​​a dynamic sculpture of a leopard climbing down from a tree came up, and Michael sent us a first drawing based on this basic idea. We had a deal.

Leopards are really a big attraction when going on safari, but unfortunately you always have to be a bit lucky to see one. But now one of these is to stand right in Rhulani's entrance area and looks at you at breakfast or high tea with its wild gaze and tense posture.

Michael himself says: "Leopard is the most difficult for me, and this is only the second time that I have taken on such a project. At some point in the process of creating this sculpture, the moment came when I was able to build a connection with the leopard and then I knew that this would be a perfect work of art."

The sculpture is made of solid stainless steel, and the leopard itself is made of bronze. It is quite heavy, over 300 kg, which required all muscle power to position it correctly, as well as large screws to anchor it firmly in the ground. "No problem, the children can even climb around on it now, it doesn't mind, and it doesn't fall over either."

The project took almost 6 months from the initial idea, through planning, clay work, molding, working on the silicone rubber parts, putting on a fiberglass jacket, wax casting, ceramic steel etc. to completion and preparation for transport.

After a 700km journey from his studio, Michael arrives at Rhulani's entrance roundabout accompanied by his two sons. Behind we see a trailer and on it a large, slightly misshapen package wrapped in white. The mission is successful.

After completing the installation, we find that the sculpture is even more beautiful and impressive than it looked in the photos. Michael is also pleased with the work; we couldn't be happier.

And so we are delighted to welcome all our future guests in Rhulani with a real leopard!