© Brendan Beckett / Barcroft Media
A new mane attraction at a zoo is proving to be a roaring success allowing visitors to live life on the wild side and stare at a lion face to face.
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A jeep has been placed in a lion enclosure and simply sliced in half by a reinforced glass screen.
As tourists and visitors sit in the 4×4 truck on one side, two fully grown male lions launch themselves onto the bonnet to sit and eat their daily meal.
The unique attraction gives animal lovers a great opportunity to come within a whisker of the lions and see them in all their majesty.
© Brendan Beckett / Barcroft Media
Robyn and Davin Price, both 34, and their children Ariel, five, Eden, three, and newborn Evie visited Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne, Victoria, on Friday.
Robyn said: “It was absolutely amazing. You can’t even see the glass is there. It’s really frightening at first, but then when the lions get up close, you can’t help but be taken away by their beauty.”
Davin added: “The children were trying to reach out to touch the lions. It’s a brilliant idea.
© Brendan Beckett / Barcroft Media
“I’ve never been so close to such incredible animals before.
“And we got some great photos – I’m sure the lions thought our children were their desserts!”
There are two male lions currently in the enclosure, brothers Tombo and Tonyi.
A spokesman said the zoo planned to alternate the male and female lions so visitors can get close to both.
He said: “Visitors love that they have an opportunity to see our two male lions at extremely close range.
© Brendan Beckett / Barcroft Media
“Brothers, Tombo and Tonyi, are on regular display in the front section of the Lions On The Edge exhibit.”
He added: “Until now, only the female lions were on display in this area, with the males in the adjoining rear section. But now the male and female lions will be rotated through both areas.
“That means some amazing photo opportunities with the entire lion family!”
Heather Sargeant, who was also at the zoo on Friday, said: “You don’t realise just how big they are until they are staring you in the face like that.
© Brendan Beckett / Barcroft Media
“I did ask a staff member a few questions about how strong the glass was before I felt able to sit down.
“It’s both frightening, exciting and exhilarating all at the same time.”
There is no plan to close the exhibit but the scheme could be extended to other animals at the zoo.
Words by Jon Kaila
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