This lion keeper, with his large black yarmulke, beard, and peyos, has his own lessons to learn from the king of the jungle
Photos: Flash90
Large, threatening eyes follow me as I walk down the long corridor. An eerie silence fills the area at this early morning hour, when the gates haven’t yet opened to the thousands of visitors who come here every day.
This silence tells the story of the night. The inhabitants of the cages wake up at their leisure, irritatingly slowly. They know the rules. In minutes the doors will be opened and they’ll be ushered out into the open, to pass another idle day under the beating sun.
The silence is suddenly broken, as a tremendous roar fills the room. I glimpse a giant mane shaking from side to side, and now I see close-up why the lion has earned the title of “king of the beasts.” In the cell, this African lion is crouching — I suppose that’s a greeting in his own way, but I’m glad he’s caged. He’s aware of his power, even as he’s caged, and if I may guess at some animal psychology, he understands how terrifying his roar can be. It’s the secret of his strength.
Not a minute too soon. The guards approach to urge us on. The gates are about to open and these animals will be released to the outdoors. “Hurry up,” they say. “There are already tourists outside waiting to see the roaming lions.”
Create a free account to keep reading.
