Opar and his pride - Chapter One

Opar the lion was born in Kruger, Africa.

Born there, but not raised. When he was only two months old, he was taken by hunters, and took thousands of miles away to London Zoo.

There, he was kept in a large, ventilated room with warm hay, a den, plenty of toys, meat and water. Opar loved it. He also loved his 'owner' Terry, who was in fact just a zoo keeper who tended to Opar every day.

After a month had gone by, Opar realised her missed his family and felt very lonely. He saw Terry every day, but was never, ever able to touch him.

Terry noticed his lion was looking down, and thought he knew what it was. He persuaded the zoo manager to exchange a family of Gibbons for some young lioness cubs about the same age as Opar.

The manager wanted to breed lions, so though it was a fantastic idea. He already had 23 Gibbons, so exchanged a family of seven for three lioness sisters.

Jasmine was six months old and her sisters, who were three months old twins, were called Sheeba and Ona.

Three month old Opar was ecstatic to have company of his own kind and was even happier that he could touch the three sisters.

After two months, the lions were best friends, and Terry introduced them to their out-door enclosure. There, they had a large field of grass, a den, a few toys, fresh water from a small pond and meat.

They also had many eyes watching them. Human eyes.

Opar, Jasmine, Sheeba and Ona were very much used to Terry, but did not like the new amount of human company. Even Opar jumped when he heard a small child scream suddenly.

They rushed to go back inside, but found the way sealed.

"Sorry guys," smiled Terry.

In a small huff, they went to the den, and found they could all comfortably fit.

For the rest of the day, they sulked.

Eventually, the humans lost interest and the crowd died down.

With new found bravery, the cubs started playing. They were having so much fun that they didn't notice the crowd become thick again, and didn't mind the children crying and screaming and laughing.

Later that evening, when there were no more humans, Terry opened the door to their room again.

"Good work!" he cooed as they rushed back in to play with their favourite toys.

"From now on you'll be out every day, all day. Except when it's too cold, of course," Terry told them.

But, the lions didn't mind. They had enjoyed the outside world. Why would tomorrow or the next day be any different?