The pride of seven lionesses at Longleat Safari Park near Warminster have been given a homemade football to help roar on the England team as they prepare for their first World Cup clash on Saturday.
Specially designed ‘lion-proof’ balls were created after keepers spotted an area of the lions’ enclosure which looked like a goal.
Deputy head warden, Ian Turner, said: “Our lionesses are having a great time playing with these homemade footballs. Lions may be lazy by nature, but like all cats, give them something to chase and they just can’t help themselves.”
The safari park opened in 1966, the one and only year England won the World Cup.
Mr Turner added: “With the Longleat lions back in support this year, you never know what may happen.”
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