Snooooze

This male lion couldn't help notice the beautiful day we had today. His warm rock was very inviting, even to me. LOL

Re: Snooooze

Another great capture Bob, Mr Lion looks very comfortable but I notice he is still keeping his beady left eye on your camera!

Re: Snooooze

He is fantastic,there is or was a Film company that used to have a Lion before the picture started when I was a child and I loved him.

Re: Snooooze

That famous roaring lion was the symbol of MGM Studios.

Re: Snooooze

Many years ago we used to have a zoo in knaresborough run on a shoestring by a wonderful guy called Nick Nayoke. He used to take in animals that used to act in films. He had the giant anaconda used in a Bond film, the largest one in captivity when it was alive. He also used to have a male lion that starred in many films. It was a rarity in that it was what was called silly tame. I used to help out at the zoo after college, feeding and mucking out etc. I used to feed the lion and exercise him. He was blind in both eyes, and didn't have a tooth left in his head. We fed him on minced beef with a spoon. He would paddle across the enclosure when he heard the gate go, and lay his head on your lap to be fed. As he was blind we had to take him for a walk on a lead to give him exercise. I'll tell you one thing though. Up close, male lions stink to high heaven. An hour with him and you had to go get a bath lol
Your photo brought back some great memories

Re: Snooooze

Your story caused me to recall that recently, on another forum, someone highly regarded on that forum thought I should shoot animals only in the wild. The photos that he, and other professional wildlife photographers post are sickly, scarred examples of the species. Predators in the wild are not necessarily premium specimens of the breed. Zoo animals are well cared for, eat regularly and have every physical need cared for. They lead long, productive lives in most cases.

Re: Snooooze

So true Bob. Lions rarely live beyond 14 years old in the wild. The one at Knaresborough zoo was 24 when he died. Even at that great age he enjoyed life, loving snoozing in the sun and play fighting even though he couldn't see what he was pawing at lol

Re: Snooooze

Great photo bob!.

Re: Snooooze

Another great photo Bob...he looks so comfortable on his warm rock

Re: Snooooze

Lovely photo Bob

Looks like he could do with a big cuddle......no?.....oh alright then