Kings of the jungle keep cool in heat wave (From St Helens Star)

Kings of the jungle keep cool in heat wave

11:10am Wednesday 1st July 2009

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LIONS at Knowsley Safari Park have been battling the heat wave with a dip in the pond.

Despite being kings of the jungle, these big cats, like their domestic relations aren’t normally keen on water, but as temperatures nudge 30 degrees, most of the 20 strong pride have been keeping cool with a swim in the large pond in their enclosure.

Safari Park General Manager, David Ross, explained: “It’s a well-known fact that most pet cats dislike water and - despite their size - the same is true of our lions.

“For this reason it’s quite unusual to see them swimming in a pond like this. Of the big cats, it’s normally only tigers that seem relaxed about spending time in water.

“It just goes to show how warm it’s been over the past few days.

“Fortunately, however, most of our animals are programmed for tropical conditions and are far happier in extreme heat than they are in a cold snap during a typical Knowsley winter,” added Mr Ross.

Knowsley Safari Park has recently seen a big surge in lion numbers.

Following the birth of more than a dozen cubs over the last year the pride is now the biggest in the history of the attraction.

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