28.6.2026 by Pat Waldron
We had an amazing Lion Experience yesterday (9. Juni), going up close to personal with Teddi, Emi & Santa. We couldn’t believe how patient and gentle they were when we were hand feeding them, all due to the brilliant work the keepers do when hand training.
A really big thank you to carnivore keeper Caitlyn, who was excellent. She was able to share behind the scenes knowledge and explain each lions individual personalities which was very interesting.
We were also able to see Aysa, Felix, Jabari & Nala inside the house and view Oleg, Raphael & Shanti in their enclosure. Every time I see these lions rescued fom Ukraine doing so fine My heart starts singing!
Here are some photos from my previous visits in the park.
Teddi is, of course, the King!
Here he poses with Felix and Nala.
They look like a royal family
Teddi and Santa
Santa is making herself presentable.
She had many facial expressions:
The beast …
… and the beauty. 🙂
This is Emi
Santa and Emi
Lovely Nala and Jabari
Jabari
Welcome back again!
Dear Pat!
I’m so happy for you that you had this experience with the lions. It’s always great when you get the chance to chat to the keepers and ask them questions.
The lion family seems relaxed and harmonious, and they just look lovely. I’ve fallen a bit in love with Jabari. The little lads are so charming when their manes start to grow.
Thanks for your lovely photos!
Hugs
Anke
Die Fotos zeigen, dass diese Begegnung mit den Löwen des YWP ein ganz besonderes Erlebnis gewesen ist!!!👍🦁👌👏
Pat, feeding the lions was certainly an extraordinary experience, and the lions were all very tame during the feeding.
Thank you for the lovely photos!
Dear Pat!
You had a wonderful experience. The lions look wonderful.
Hugs
Ludmila
Dear Pat
Thank you for taking us with you to meet the lions. Your photos and videos make it like being there.
The family look like house cats as they wait patiently. Rescuing animals has been YWP’s best work. I miss my visits very much