This Asiatic Lion reminds me so much of our GSD Lesia. He had been chewing on a bone and his mannerisms were just like a dog with a bone, the way they hold them between their paws etc.
This was taken at Chester Zoo where we went on Tuesday for a birthday treat. Was a long way to travel but well worth it. I don't usually like to see animals kept in zoo's but this one is known for it's conservation program and the animals all had lots of space and their habitats were quite like it would be in the wild. It's the best zoo I have visited and the animals did not look at all distressed.
A gorgeous shot. I'm particularly fond of Asiatic Lions, but I didn't realize that there were any in zoos anywhere. It must be part of the conservation program
I photographed foals today, and they remind me of my poodles. There is so much similarity in behaviors across species isn't there, if you watch them. Such a sweet innocence about this guy.
Looking right in to my eyes! It is tempting from a photo to give them a stroke but when you see the real thing you realise 'large'! The Linton Zoo ones used to stalk my children when they were toddlers - you knew exactly what was on their minds.... Chester Zoo takes me right back to my childhood - it was our 'local' from Preston. I seem to remember even then that the animals were kept well (in those days Blackpool Tower 'torture chamber for animals' AKA zoo was still occupied...).
I share your feelings about animals in zoos; I'm glad that this zoo was one of the better ones. Lovely portrait of this lion, who to my eyes does have a somewhat sad expression.