KOMPAS.com - The four passengers in the jeep must feel a whisker away from death as a lion jumps up on to their bonnet for lunch. But that's all part of the attraction. The jeep is a new zoo exhibit which allows visitors to get incredibly close to the lions.
The back part of the vehicle, up to where the windscreen should be, is actually on the outside of the reinforced glass cage. The bonnet is on the inside, and covered with meat to entice the big cats closer.
It makes for an exhilarating experience, according to Robyn and Davin Price, both 34, who visited the Werribee Open Range Zoo, in Melbourne, Australia, with their children Ariel, five, Eden, three, and baby Evie. Mrs Price said: 'It was absolutely amazing. You can't even see the glass is there.' Her husband added: 'I'm sure the lions thought our children were their dessert!'
This incredible Lions on the Edge exhibit, which puts you just inches from a lion’s jaws, is one of the biggest attractions at the zoo. Kings of the jungle Tombo and Tonyi are joined by two lionesses in the exhibit. Though it has been open since 2006, the male lions were added just last month - leading to some startling photo opportunities.
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 on Friday, said: 'You don't realise just how big they are until they are staring you in the face like that.
'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.'
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 mane attraction for years to come.
Source : The Daily Mail
