We ain't lion!

The four passengers in the Jeep must feel a whisker away from death as a lion jumps up on the hood for lunch. But that’s part of the attraction! The Jeep is a new zoo exhibit that allows visitors to get incredibly close to the lions.


The astonished tourists are just inches away from the lion’s jaws at the Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria, Australia.

The lion tucks into his food as the tourists look on.




It makes for an exhilarating experience, according to Robyn and Davin Price, both 34, who visited the Werribee Open Range Zoo with their children Ariel, five, Eden, three, and baby Evie. Mrs. Price said, “It was absolutely amazing!” Her husband added, “I’m sure the lions thought our children were their dessert!”

Though the zoo has been open since 2006, the male lions were just recently added -- leading to some startling photo opportunities.


A pause between courses: The lion polishes off his meal, and awaits hungrily for the next.


Davin added, “The children were trying to reach out to touch the lions. It’s a brilliant idea. I’ve never been so close to such incredible animals before.

Heather Sargeant, who was also at the zoo, said, “You don’t realize just how big they are until they are staring you in the face like that.”

Okay, I cheated, and deliberately left out some of the opening text:

Behind the looking glass: Another view of the exhibit from the zoo’s website.

“I did ask a staff member a few questions about how strong the glass was before I felt able to sit down. It’s frightening, exciting and exhilarating all at the same time,” said Davin.

This unique opportunity to get up close to the fearsome cats has won the 25 year old zoo an award, and promises to be a main (mane?) attraction for years to come.

The back part of the vehicle, up to where the windshield should be is actually on the outside of the reinforced glass cage. The hood is on the inside, and covered with meat to entice the big cats closer.


Well, I suppose you need something funny --

When my daughter, Kelli, was 3, she and my son, Cody, would say their nightly prayers together. As most children do, we have to bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, "And all girls." As this soon became part of her nightly routine, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, "Kelli, why do you always add the part about ‘all girls’?" Her response: "Because we always finish our prayers by saying 'All Men'!"