We all have our best friend, that person we turn to for advice, companionship, and more. You might think your best friend is, well, the best, but this South African lion caretaker takes the cake with his big cat bestie.
For the past 11 years, Frikkie Von Solms has been nurturing his buddy Zion after the lion was separated from his mother as a cub.
Born in captivity, Zion was taken into Frikkie’s care due to fears that the cub’s father would fatally attack him (not uncommon in lion prides).
Who wouldn’t want to spend their time cuddling up with this cute cub?
share
Now an adult, the big cat is described by Frikkie as a “gentle giant.”
share
Frikkie feels lucky to have observed Zion as he matured. He got to see, firsthand, all the stages of the lion’s life.
share
Without the typical aggressive upbringing, Zion proves that lions aren’t all the same.
share
They each have their unique traits, Frikkie explains.
share
“They have personalities, they have humour and laugh.”
share
The two enjoy taking long walks together, during which Frikkie affectionately hold Zion’s tail.
share
In fact, Zion is such a sensitive softie that his caretaker also goes without shoes so the noise doesn’t disturb him.
share
Zion has never attacked a person, Frikkie notes that he trusts the lion completely.
share
Besides Zion, Frikkie has raised countless other big cats, but these two clearly have an incredible bond.
share
Watch the adorable duo in action and see just how remarkable their connection really is:
(via Bored Panda)
Just like any other pet, Zion is part of Frikkie’s family. The big softie even shares a bed with his owner. I bet he’s the cuddliest little spoon you could ask for.
