TAMPA, Fla. (July, 2009) - As the temperature swells in the Tampa Bay area, Busch Gardens animals are doing what comes naturally to beat the heat.
Because most species in the park are native to Africa or other tropical or sub-tropical climates, they have natural adaptations and behaviors to help them thrive in high temperatures. Hippos and Asian small-claw otters spend time in the water to cool off. Rhinos wallow in mud pits to beat the heat.
Also helping the animals to stay cool are the naturalistic habitats at Busch Gardens. Lush forests, waterfalls, rocky overhangs and plunge pools in exhibits such as Myombe Reserve, Jungala and the Edge of Africa mimic the animals’ environments in the wild, providing shade in the summer and sunny areas in winter.
Here are Lion Cubs from ‘Ol Liombo’ pride, in the Masai Mara, Kenya. The photographer hid a camera in Elephant dung and grass to capture these amazing shots.
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I think that Kevin Richardson is most often referred to as the Lion Whisperer, but I’ve got a new name for him: Hey You! Crazy Guy! Why do I think he’s crazy? I, uh, well… Hmmmm…
Animal behaviorist Kevin Richardson says he relies on instinct to win the hearts and form an intimate bond with the big cats. He can spend the night curled up with them without the slightest fear of being attacked. His magic works not only work for lions but other animals such as cheetahs, leopards and even hyenas do not hold a threat against him.
BFF or BFJFN? It would be interesting to see if these guys are still playing around after they mature or if their little love affair is a just for now thing. Regardless… SUPER cute!
Ten-week old lion cub Koza played with his companion Italian mastiff puppy Cairo, a refugee from hurricane Katrina, as the two interacted in the Animal Care Center at the Wild Animal Park in Escondido, February 1, 2006. U-T photo/DAN TREVAN
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