10 August is World Lion Day, and London's own pride is celebrating with a gift.
ZSL London Zoo's lionesses, Rubi, Heidi and Indi were given a boomer ball designed like the Earth, to mark three years of support from Liontrust. The asset fund management company helped to build London Zoo's Land of the Lions, and supports ZSL's conservation work in the Gir Forest in India.
Boomer balls are designed for large, strong, animals to play with. This one, which is a metre wide, was scented with aromatic herbs and spices to keep the lions interested in it.
Zookeeper Lucy Reed said:
As an international conservation charity, our work extends far beyond the boundaries of ZSL London Zoo. The pride of Asiatic lions, and indeed their home at Land of the Lions, are ambassadors for the work we’re supporting in the Gir Forest, Gujarat, India — the Asiatic lions’ last remaining stronghold, where just 500 remain.
We’re grateful to be celebrating three years with Liontrust on World Lion Day. Their support has helped us to build a magnificent new home for our big cats, and supports our ongoing work in the Gir National Park.
Check out this video of the big cats getting stuck into their new toy:
