- Title: CZECH-LION SAFARI Czech lion safari becomes regional attraction
- Date: 24th July 2015
- Summary: DVUR KRALOVE, CZECH REPUBLIC (JULY 18, 2015) (REUTERS) CAR PASSING ANIMALS IN SAFARI VARIOUS OF ANTELOPES AND GOATS VARIOUS OF DASHBOARD VIEW OF SAFARI CAR APPROACHING LION SAFARI GATE LION SAFARI SIGN CAR ENTERING THROUGH SECURITY GATES SIGN DESCRIBING RESTRICTIONS GATE CLOSING LION IN GRASS CARS AND BUSSES PASSING THROUGH LION ENCLOSURE VARIOUS OF LIONS CAR LION RESTING
- Embargoed: 8th August 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Czech Republic
- Country: Czech Republic
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA2Q53PTB2KVOAFRZ0L8Y581TIG
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Over 70 year of existence, the zoo in Dvur Kralove has grown from a garden with a few animals one of the largest zoos in the Czech Republic and it continues to expand with new attractions - such as the recently opened lion safari.
The zoo says it is one of its kind in the region and attracts tourists from neighbouring countries. Originally, there were only male lions in the 1,5 hectare enclosure, but after tempers ran high, the zoo administration decided to add lionesses.
"Now there are seven lions in the safari. We have to exchange three lions and four lionesses. We started the safari about one month ago and some weeks ago the lion safari was officially opened to the public. The lions and lionesses are, step by step, getting used to each other and we trust that in a short time they will be living in the safari all together," Dvur Kralove zoo spokesperson, Simona Jirickova, said.
But in the midday summer heat none of the animals - so-called kings of the jungle - were eager to display much regal prowess, preferring to nap in the shade.
"The lion, like all the big predators, sleeps around 20 hours a day and that's why we can't expect they will run around here. They are most active very early in the morning or around evening. During hot weather like this all normal animals, even lions, lie in the shadows and don't waste energy, so they don't get tired and sweat," zoologist, Radek Hlaska, said.
Visitors from neighbouring Germany and Poland have already visited the safari and welcomed the idea of a lion safari close to home.
"It is beautiful, animals in freedom are quite different than animals behind the bars. Congratulations for such a great idea, it's fantastic," one tourist from the nearby Polish city Katowice, Franek, said.
Since the 70s the zoo has brought back about 2000 animals numerous expeditions to Africa and has become one of the most important African fauna breeders in the world. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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