Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the usually busy streets and public spaces are now empty, allowing the animals to have the best time possible.
In South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a park guard named Richard Sowry took a picture of a group of lions sleeping on a road that would usually be full of tourists. Since March 25, no one has been able to visit Kruger Wildlife Park or any other wildlife park because of the coronavirus shutdown.
Even though the park is on lockdown, Mr. Sowry keeps doing his important job of keeping the wildlife safe and keeping thieves away. He was driving near the Orpen rest camp when he saw the pride of lions. He took the shot about five meters away from the pride.
The lions didn’t seem to mind that the camera was there. Mr. Sowry says that lions are most used to seeing people in cars. He said, “Animals naturally fear people on foot much more, so if I had walked up, they would never have let me get so close.”
The lions didn’t seem to mind as he took pictures with his phone. In fact, it looked like most of them were fast asleep.
“Lions are used to people in vehicles,” he said. “Animals naturally fear people on foot much more, so if I had walked up, they would never have let me get so close.”
“This group of lions usually lives in Kempiana Contractual Park, which is not open to guests at Kruger. “This afternoon, they were lying on the asphalt road near Orpen Rest Camp,” Kruger National Park wrote on Twitter.
Lions were also seen prowling around the Shukuza Golf Club in Kruger National Park with no guests.
Even though these wildlife centers aren’t open to the public, it’s great to see wild animals having their well-deserved freedom.
