Roaring friendship: caretaker shares life with lions

Many of lions he now tends to were fed by his own hands as cubs

LAHORE:

While the roar of a lion can intimidate even the bravest of individuals, Muhammad Asif has spent the last 24 years living harmoniously with these fierce creatures as an animal caretaker at Lahore Safari Park.

Asif is responsible for the care and feeding of the park's lions and tigers.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared with The Express Tribune that, as a new recruit, he was initially afraid of approaching the animals, with their roars instilling fear in him. However, over the years, he has developed a deep bond with them, and they have become familiar with his presence.

Many of the lions he now tends to were fed by his own hands as cubs, and he takes pride in watching them grow into adulthood and raise their own cubs.

Notably, all the lions run towards him at the sound of his voice.

Asif believes that with love and affection, even the fiercest animals can be gentle.

"No matter how fierce an animal is, if it is treated with love and affection, it will never harm," he stated.

The safari park is home to approximately 30 lions, whom Asif considers his family. He cares for them as if they were his own children, closely monitoring their health and behaviour.

If a lion appears sad, sluggish, or refuses to eat, he quickly senses that something may be wrong.

Although he has never been attacked by an animal, Asif remains cautious and advises visitors to never approach or touch wild animals in zoos or safari parks, as their behaviour can be unpredictable and they can pose a danger to their caretakers.

Asif explained that an adult lion consumes about 10kg of meat daily, supplemented with chicken once a week to address calcium deficiencies.

The feeding regimen is determined by veterinary experts based on the animals' age and weight, with healthy animals slaughtered daily to provide fresh food for the lions.

He also shared that the lions have names and respond when called. Some of the lions are named Raju, Rani, and Reshma, while a pair is named Kajal and Kalu.

A formal naming ceremony is held with the involvement of local university students, the deputy director of Lahore Safari Park, and veterinary officers, during which names for the animals are proposed and assigned.

Muhammad Asif's dedication to the lions at Lahore Safari Park showcases not only his commitment to animal care but also highlights the unique bond that can form between humans and wildlife when nurtured with love and respect.