Of course lions are dangerous animals and require careful handling, and it is preferable to simply stay away from them. But this still doesn’t mean that they are unemotional and insensitive.
And the story of a 70-year-old zoo keeper Frikki von Solms is a vivid proof of this. Frikki lives in South Africa and has been close friends with the lion Zion for 11 years who is incredibly gentle and affectionate.
The lioness Simba gave birth to Zion in the zoo, but the baby was quickly taken away, since the father could take his cub’s life himself. And the lion cub grew up under the care of Frikki as a predator at all, but as an effeminate creature. It got to the point that a man takes off his shoes before visiting his unusual pet, since the noise of the boots can disturb Zion.
Frikki shares that caring for a lion is an unusual experience, especially the fact that he remembers every step how the cutie grew up from infancy and he was able to notice changes in his appearance and character, and he also grew up with him and learned a lot of new things.
He assures that people somehow generalize lions, but each of them has its own character, sense of humor and other distinctive features. So, Zion is very delicate. He never attacks anyone and can be completely trusted.
But who does he look like is a real question, since his dad is a very aggressive lion and wasn’t even attached to his offspring. Frikki and Zion have been friends for 11 years and are not going to stop this wonderful and incredible friendship.
