Monday, July 28, 2014

Nelson, Mandela & Shinyanga..



Whenever I visit the Perth Zoo as I did yesterday, first stop is always the African Savannah and the lions. The two male lions, eleven year old brothers are called Nelson and Mandela. I know some may lament the fact that they are in a zoo but it is a beautiful zoo and they are much loved by the zoo staff and Perthites as a whole, they may not be free but they are safe from human overpopulation and poachers.. they have a very lovely life...


Did you know 'that because male lions are so big and have a full mane, they are often too slow and conspicuous to hunt.. the male protects the pride while the lionesses hunt, male lions always eat first'.. there were signs that breakfast would be served at any moment I wondered if 184kg Nelson was giving female Shinyanga her 'gathering' instructions :) he does look a bit grumpy but take my word they had just been having a big slobbery kiss moments before. Hope you had or are having a good weekend, take care...p.s. bear with me, still catching up :)


28 comments:

  1. Oh, I love the lions!! They are the first ones I visit when I go to the zoo!! Like you, I'm glad we have zoos as much for the animals as for our enjoyment and for the reason you gave -- they're safe!! Thanks for sharing your visit! Great way to start my day!! Hope you've had a great weekend!

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  2. They're beautiful lions. If zoos are set up in a way that takes good care of the animals and doesn't treat them like a circus trick, I'm okay with them.

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  3. These are wonderful portraits! 😺

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  4. Magnificent beasts. Hey, I used to have a haircut like that in the mid-1970s!

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  5. Those pics of them together are wonderful, Grace!

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  6. I hear the Perth Zoo does the best job possible in housing the lions, you captured these beauties beautifully Grace. Oh yes, and of course the women go out and do all the hard yakka - it's still a man's world hey?! ;)

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  7. These are fabulous shots of Nelson and Mandela...Coincidentally, there was just a short infomercial on tv about the lions in Africa, and that there are only about 30,000 left. The organization that this was about is training Masai (traditionally lion killers/hunters) to protect the lions. Interesting little short...

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  8. He even looks like he's getting up there in years. No hair dye or Botox for him!

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  9. It's hard to believe they are efficient killers as they look so friendly. Our zoos are all pretty good now with their animal facilities. It wasn't always the case, as I remember.

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  10. Wonderful pics Grace, thank you, I haven't been to the Perth Zoo for years and must pay a visit next time up! Your info was most interesting and no, I didn't know that, so thanks again! xoJoy

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  11. It seems that male lions have it pretty good. (Nice photos.)

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  12. Magnificent - both shots & beasts.

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  13. Magnificent lion, so good looking. Would love to hug him if he doesn't bite. :D

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  14. The kings. Gorgeous. I have mixed feelings about zoos though.

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  15. The zoo is such a great place for inspiration Grace. Wonderful safari photos and sooo close up.

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  16. What wonderful shots. They take your direction well.

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  17. Love these beautiful big cats! I know zoos aren't ideal, but I agree with you that here at least they are taken care of and don't have to worry about poachers.
    Glad to see you're back!

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  18. Awwwww, impressive, beautiful pics, Grace! Love the names, too, and yes, looks like that´s an instruction Nelson gives there :-)
    Aw, love the pics! Really!

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  19. That first pic is amazing, what a wonderful lion!

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  20. Happy to see you back. beautiful lion pictures. Janey

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  21. The last photo makes me tink they really do like each other!

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  22. I love lions! The females are huge enough and the males are much bigger.
    Great photos Grace.

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  23. Lovely lions. They really have feelings.
    Great photos.

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  24. They are magnificent! I can see why this would be your first stop on a visit to the zoo.

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