Always on the VIP list in zoos and wildlife parks across the world, lions are nothing short of magnificent. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The African lion (Panthera leo) is one of the most recognisable animals on planet Earth.
A fierce predator that has long been a symbol of bravery and strength, this big cat has a top speed of 80 km/h, three-inch-long teeth and an iconic roar that can be heard from 5 km away.
Groups of lions, called prides, are usually made up of around six lionesses, their cubs, and two to three males. In the wild, family units are highly territorial and can hold sway over an area for generations.
What makes lions truly special, in zookeeper Chad Staples’ opinion, is how loving they can be. Over the last 28 years, he has worked with many complex creatures, but to him, lions are king.
“They’re easily the most affectionate out of all the big cats,” he says.
“Tigers, leopards and jaguars are all solitary, but lions naturally live in groups with distinct social structures and deep family relationships.
“When they recognise you as one of their own, you get to see a softer side to their usual reserved demeanour. There’s nothing quite like a 150 kg carnivore rolling over and asking you to scratch his belly.”
Maji was hand-raised by zookeeper Chad after her mother tragically died in childbirth. Photos: Mogo Wildlife Park.
She is described as a ‘sweetheart’ who loves people.
Phoenix was born just before the Black Summer bushfires.
Now young adults, Phoenix and Maji share an enclosure at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. Photo: Chad Staples.
In what he calls a ‘truly humbling’ experience, Chad had the opportunity to raise a lioness named Maji from her very first day of life. They would spend every single night together for the next six months.
“Maji’s mum sadly died in childbirth, so she needed someone to look after her and show her how to socialise,” he says.
“A cub knows it’s a lion from day dot. They’re ferocious from their first taste of meat, and being a top predator is part of their DNA.
“Maji is now four years old, but she still calls out to me whenever she sees me and greets me like family. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to bond with her so deeply, even though it came out of something so terrible.”
Today, Maji lives at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park in Nulkaba, NSW, alongside her half-brother Phoenix. They are ‘totally smitten’ with each other and will be kept as a non-breeding pair for the rest of their lives.
Mogo Wildlife Park has been home to big cats for decades. Currently, the park has two African lion enclosures, one with a family pride of four and another with white lion pair Mafuta and Mnandi.
Mafuta is a particular favourite with visitors, often pressing up against the fence to get himself a scratch during White Lion encounters.
“To anyone toying with the idea of visiting Mogo’s resident lions, I would say go for it. You don’t realise just how huge and powerful these animals are until you’re right there next to them,” Chad says.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Mafuta is always happy to be in the spotlight!”
Discover more than 3000 animals across three parks with Mogo Wildlife Park’s annual explorer passes, currently 30 per cent off for EOFY when you use the code EXPLOREMORE.
