Weekend Softer Side: Hugs and Kisses From African Lion

January 13th, 2007 12:22 PM

It’s the weekend, and I wanted to share a video that I’ve been watching over and over again because…well, just because.

As reported at the website of a Florida television station (hat tip to Drudge), an African lion at a Columbian animal shelter is so enamored with the person who saved him years ago that he actually hugs and kisses the woman (astounding video available here):

Ana Julia Torres, who runs the Villa Lorena animal shelter in Cali, fed and nursed Jupiter the African lion back to health years ago after it was found abused and emaciated in a traveling circus."

"It is amazing to see an animal like that be so sweet and affectionate," said Torres. "This hug is the most sincere one that I have received in my life."

Enjoy the video, folks!