A one-year-old African male lion named "Xiao Mao" has rapidly gained popularity online. With his adorable appearance and a temperament gentler than a house cat, he has become a beloved sweetheart of the lion kingdom in the eyes of netizens. Recently, a reporter visited Harbin Polar Park to get an up-close look at this animal world's "top star."
With an upturned nose, smiling lips, long eyelashes, and bright eyes, "Xiao Mao" boasts undeniable good looks. He has been raised under the dedicated care of his keepers. Through long-term, close companionship, "Xiao Mao" has developed a docile nature and is particularly fond of cuddling with his keepers.
When his keepers are not around, "Xiao Mao" entertains himself in his designated activity area. He sometimes plays with plush toys like a child, and other times he diligently sharpens his teeth on a specially made wooden log. When mealtime arrives, "Xiao Mao" instantly transforms into a clever rascal. He first hides stealthily, pretending not to see his keeper. Then, when the keeper is searching for him, he suddenly stumbles out from behind, bumping into the keeper's leg. He then looks up with his large, expressive eyes, filled with a "tender" gaze, as if complaining, "Why did you take so long?" He rolls onto his back, exposing his white belly, and contentedly enjoys being petted by his keeper.
Even when eating, "Xiao Mao" displays a refined demeanor. When the keeper offers him a fist-sized piece of beef, he doesn't devour it like a typical lion. Instead, he chews carefully before slowly swallowing. Once he's eaten his fill, "Xiao Mao" immediately switches to "alpha mode." He symbolically licks his paw, then leaps onto the artificial mountain at the back of his activity area. He straightens his back, raises his head high, and strikes a pose of commanding authority, looking every bit like Simba standing on Pride Rock in The Lion King, as if announcing to the world, "I have dined; you may leave now!" This internet-famous lion, who embodies both gentleness and dominance, has become a "healing" symbol for Harbin Polar Park.
To provide "Xiao Mao" with a rich and varied life experience, the staff at Harbin Polar Park has specially designed seasonal-themed settings for his home, complete with autumn leaves, winter ice sculptures, and summer popsicles, allowing "Xiao Mao" to experience the changing seasons without ever leaving his enclosure.
(Reporter, Photographer: Yu Haijiang; Video Editor: Rachel Liu; English Editor: Rachel Liu, Darius)
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