The Londoner: Self-isolation perks for London's own Tiger king

In today's Diary: How a London Tiger is coping with lockdown / Russell Brand nearly makes himself cry / Maggie O'Farrell dreams of Shakespearean guests / Houseparty takes Westminster by storm

Tuesday 31 March 2020 10:11

As a quarantined capital glues itself to Netflix documentary series Tiger King, how is Asim, London Zoo’s Sumatran tiger faring during the lockdown?

“Keepers have been keeping him stimulated — for example, by hanging his breakfast in the trees on tough bungee cords so that he has to use his strong muscles to catch and pull at his ‘prey’,” the zoo tells 

A few staff have moved into the zoo to help look after the animals while visitors are excluded. “Life is continuing as normal for animals, thanks to our keepers.” Some animals, such as the pygmy goats, have missed the attentions of friendly visitors, but others have been unbothered.

“The Asiatic lions are completely oblivious. They’ve been lazing in the spring sunshine and playing with giant, lion-proof balls, scented with their favourite spices.” Be more lion.

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• iety of London, the charity behind the zoo, set up a new fundraiser to support the care of its 18,000 animals as ticket sales have dried up. This is the first time the zoo has closed since WW2.
  Source: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/the-londoner-selfisolation-perks-for-londons-own-tiger-king-a4402496.html

• The Londoner. “He’s also been spotted lying on his high sleeping platform enjoying the sun.”