African soap opera: Zien the lion thinks bathtime is a roaring success

While most cats notoriously hate water Zien the fussy lion is so particular about being clean he loves nothing more than getting lathered up with British big cat handler Alex Larenty.
Alex has formed such a close bond with the lions in his care that he fearlessly grooms the top predators as if they were visitors to a spa.
And Zien is his most frequent visitor - rushing over for a good pampering with Alex whenever he can.

The giant cat looks every bit the King of the Jungle - scrubbing up well in these bath time pictures taken last week at the Lion Park near Johannesburg

Showing off in a watering hole at his home, Zien leaps into the air as 50-year-old Alex awards him with a meaty treat

His close relationship with the animals has allowed him to develop a unique bond of trust and intimacy with animals like Zien.
'We are really close but you know there are certain things they know they mustn't do and certain things you know you mustn't do, so you get to know each other,' said Alex.
Despite his young age Zien already weighs a whopping 90 kg and is fed twice a week on fresh meat to mimic the eating habits of lions in the wild.
The 208-acre Lion Park houses over 300 animals including lions, cheetahs and hyenas.
Skilled Alex moved to South Africa in 1999 and has been an animal trainer for 35 years



The 208-acre Lion Park houses over 300 animals including lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Skilled Alex moved to South Africa in 1999 and has been an animal trainer for 35 years.