I would have been moved to tears like she was. I think those were Female lions which are not anything like the males agression wise. It looks like the have a wonderful Huge area to play in. :) they are both beautiful.
When I was in College (early 70's) Ringing Bros Circus came to the College. My friend and I walked over to see them set up as there were crowds. They were putting up a tent and needed help so my friend and I just went ahead and helped without being asked.
After, we were done helping a short man with the circus came up and asked if we wanted to see the Lions. We said yes and he explained that he was a trainer, but not a performer and the Lion we were going to meet was pregnant so not in the show, but since he had been with her since her birth he was keeping her close now. She was in a large cage and laying down. She was so big I could put my hands together and that was the size of one of her paws. We got to pet her. They look smooth, but their fur is very coarse. They purr like house cats very loud, the trainer said she would only purr when she was happy. We got to pick up one of her paws and see the claws. She licked our hands and the tongue is 1000 times more sandpaper then a house cat. Other people tried to come up and pet and the trainer told them to go away and with the big cats around him they listened. It was a magical 1/2 hour. Now, that I am older I hate the thought of Lions being forced to live in cages and there should not be circuses.
Here is my "circus" story. It was one if those traveling carnival fair deals that used to set up in vacant lots. It was about 1965 or 6, and my friend and were walking home from high school, and a guy from the carnival says hey you want to see something? Being complete idiots, and about 15 yrs old, we said sure and followed him to a dank tent. We went inside- mind you, there wasnt a soul around- and showed us the 2 headed baby he had preserved in a giant jar, and other disgusting things in jars. Then he went on and on about how nothing is fake, and hes an honest man,and we were bored to tears and got out and went home , thinking it was weird BUT NEVER THINKING OF THE DANGER WE COULD HAVE BEEN IT!!!! So not as delightful as lion story, which clearly wins, but it did bring up an old memory. He could have put us in jars, lol!
Old;ady! Nice to hear from you and this amazing story! How are things with your grandchild? Hope you are well, sweetie. Hugs from the bay area of SF. Hope your absence has been due to getting time with the little one darlin'.
I remember when I was growing up in Reno. What used to be the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino had "Leo the Lion" in a store downstairs in the mall. They just had him sit there all day long so that you could pay to take a picture with him. He always looked so sad. I hated it for him. :(
I would absolutely love to have an experience like this. Lions are my favorite. I think they are so beautiful and majestic. I find it a crime and a shame to lock animals in cages and make them travel around and do tricks for our entertainment. I eat meat, and I am not a PETA type person, but I refuse to go to the circus. I find it so cruel to cage wild animals. It makes me terribly sad.
@auntliddy That circus guy was just probably trying to drum up business for his circus. Plus Travellers aren't likely to shit where they eat, so going from town to town kidnapping teenagers couldn't have gone on at least since the second town kidnapping. So I doubt you were in any danger, but it was still a reckless thing to do. Of course, back in the 60's and early 70's, we were TOLD to do what any adult told us to do.
As for this woman, she's even more reckless than Auntliddy!. While I am sure those lions were probably creche bred (born and trained in captivity) that's not to say if they get irritated they won't eat your face off. And don't get me started about that thing they call a fence! Ain't no way that would stop any angry or hungry beast. Or even zombies! (I just finished watching Walking Dead season 2. No spoilers for three thank youverymuch).
Loved the stories! I would have loved to be able to get thisclose to a lion....
As for my circus story, I was at the mall early to watch them set up and to watch the animals and I met this really cute guy who was an animal caretaker, ....and he asked me to join him (I was 17, he was about 18 or so). I said no.
Can't wait for the sequel - Lions Eat Woman.
ReplyDeleteYep. Never forget they are still wild animals. Although this was lovely.
DeleteI would have been moved to tears like she was. I think those were Female lions which are not anything like the males agression wise. It looks like the have a wonderful Huge area to play in. :) they are both beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone think - damn that fence is flimsy? Sweet but probably not safe...
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in College (early 70's) Ringing Bros Circus came to the College. My friend and I walked over to see them set up as there were crowds. They were putting up a tent and needed help so my friend and I just went ahead and helped without being asked.
ReplyDeleteAfter, we were done helping a short man with the circus came up and asked if we wanted to see the Lions. We said yes and he explained that he was a trainer, but not a performer and the Lion we were going to meet was pregnant so not in the show, but since he had been with her since her birth he was keeping her close now. She was in a large cage and laying down. She was so big I could put my hands together and that was the size of one of her paws. We got to pet her. They look smooth, but their fur is very coarse. They purr like house cats very loud, the trainer said she would only purr when she was happy. We got to pick up one of her paws and see the claws. She licked our hands and the tongue is 1000 times more sandpaper then a house cat. Other people tried to come up and pet and the trainer told them to go away and with the big cats around him they listened. It was a magical 1/2 hour. Now, that I am older I hate the thought of Lions being forced to live in cages and there should not be circuses.
Thank you for sharing that. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.
DeleteHere is my "circus" story. It was one if those traveling carnival fair deals that used to set up in vacant lots. It was about 1965 or 6, and my friend and were walking home from high school, and a guy from the carnival says hey you want to see something? Being complete idiots, and about 15 yrs old, we said sure and followed him to a dank tent. We went inside- mind you, there wasnt a soul around- and showed us the 2 headed baby he had preserved in a giant jar, and other disgusting things in jars. Then he went on and on about how nothing is fake, and hes an honest man,and we were bored to tears and got out and went home , thinking it was weird BUT NEVER THINKING OF THE DANGER WE COULD HAVE BEEN IT!!!! So not as delightful as lion story, which clearly wins, but it did bring up an old memory. He could have put us in jars, lol!
DeleteOld;ady! Nice to hear from you and this amazing story! How are things with your grandchild? Hope you are well, sweetie. Hugs from the bay area of SF. Hope your absence has been due to getting time with the little one darlin'.
DeleteAunt Liddy. That story is a little scary when you think of it but at least you are here to tell us. Thank goodness for that!!
DeleteOld ;ady you have been missed around these parts :) thank you for your touching story. Animals are amazing in all shapes.
ReplyDeleteI heard a very sweet story about a giant octopus and its bond with her trainer.
Not trainer. Marine Biologist who was with her almost from birth and to her last moment.
Deleteall it takes is one wrong trigger and it won't be so sweet.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Old ;ady, for sharing your story! Oh god, I would just die of squeeing if I had this experience!! =)
ReplyDeleteVery brave woman! So terribly sweet though and that would be so amazing to experience.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great story Old ;ady!
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was growing up in Reno. What used to be the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino had "Leo the Lion" in a store downstairs in the mall. They just had him sit there all day long so that you could pay to take a picture with him. He always looked so sad. I hated it for him. :(
@Auntliddy, thank you for making me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely love to have an experience like this. Lions are my favorite. I think they are so beautiful and majestic. I find it a crime and a shame to lock animals in cages and make them travel around and do tricks for our entertainment. I eat meat, and I am not a PETA type person, but I refuse to go to the circus. I find it so cruel to cage wild animals. It makes me terribly sad.
ReplyDeleteDamn, I'll bet that chick REEKED when she was done.
ReplyDeleteDont do circuses or zoos for this readon. It breaks my heart to see elephants chained to stake.
ReplyDelete@auntliddy That circus guy was just probably trying to drum up business for his circus. Plus Travellers aren't likely to shit where they eat, so going from town to town kidnapping teenagers couldn't have gone on at least since the second town kidnapping. So I doubt you were in any danger, but it was still a reckless thing to do. Of course, back in the 60's and early 70's, we were TOLD to do what any adult told us to do.
ReplyDeleteAs for this woman, she's even more reckless than Auntliddy!. While I am sure those lions were probably creche bred (born and trained in captivity) that's not to say if they get irritated they won't eat your face off. And don't get me started about that thing they call a fence! Ain't no way that would stop any angry or hungry beast. Or even zombies! (I just finished watching Walking Dead season 2. No spoilers for three thank youverymuch).
ReplyDelete@smash
ReplyDeleteThey actually are males (castrated)
Loved the stories! I would have loved to be able to get thisclose to a lion....
ReplyDeleteAs for my circus story, I was at the mall early to watch them set up and to watch the animals and I met this really cute guy who was an animal caretaker, ....and he asked me to join him (I was 17, he was about 18 or so). I said no.