Whenever people find out about Rajarajeishwary Mariappan’s job at the Night Safari, the first thing they say is: “Wow, you’re so brave, ah?”
This is because a large part of her job is caring for six Asiatic lionesses, one of the largest land predators.
“They think that because lions eat meat, if they see a zookeeper, they just want to eat them,” she laughed.
The 27-year-old said that this is far from the truth. Lions behave just like house cats, they’re just “30 times bigger”.
Rajeish told CNA Women: “They don’t look at us as food. When they see us, they greet us [in their own way] and go on with their day.
“The first perception [many people have of lions] is that they are angry all the time.
“On the first day [on the job], when you see them very up-close, you will be very intimidated,” she said. “But once you actually get to know their personalities, you will notice that they are actually gentle animals."
She describes her favourite lioness Shweta as an affectionate animal.
“She loves the keepers’ attention. Nine out of 10 times, she’s the first among the lions to approach us. She will rub her body against the metal meshing [which separates the zookeepers from the carnivores for safety] to get our attention,” Rajeish said.
Shweta is also affectionate with the other lionesses. Five of the six lionesses at the Night Safari, including Shweta, are sisters; the sixth is their mother. All five were born at the wildlife park, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in May. There are currently no Asiatic lions at the Night Safari.
LOOKING AFTER THE BIG CATS“Lions are pride animals [that live and hunt in groups]. They groom and rub against each other to show affection,” she said.
“But like any family, sometimes you get squabbles and disagreements. Like humans, they do get moodymr bet, and will scratch each other at times.”
The Asiatic Lions Keeper Talk takes place from 8pm to 9pm every Friday, Saturday and on the eve of public holidays at Lion Lookout along the Leopard Trail – visitors can watch feedings, and learn about the lion’s diet, physical characteristics and behaviour. (Photo: CNA/Joyee Koo)