When you have to apologize to a Lion...

...you'd best make it a good apology.

I've blogged before about going to the NC Zoo.  The last time I was there I posted about this dude:

I made a desultory comment about the fact that all I'd *ever* see him do is sleep.

It seems that I must now make a heartfelt public apology.  Seems he does more than sleep after all.

LION CUBS!!!  And wow, were they cute.  

I was somewhat hampered in my photographing by the masses of people "Awww"-ing but I got a few good shots.  This is not one of them.

Dad was actually standing up and sniffing one of the cubs when we got to the enclosure, but he then proceeded to take a well-deserved nap.  

Mom was quite active.  She was on a rock outcropping, glaring at the crowd when we arrived.  And it was a truly terrifying glare.  If she coulda gotten to us, there would have been blood.  She then decided to go get one of the enrichment toys from the lower level of the enclosure.

 

Time to start training the kids to be effective killing machines!  

The kids were having none of it.  Give 'em time, Ma.

 

This little guy just wanted to be with Mom.

I hope Mr Lion (named Reilly by the zoo staff) will accept my profound apology and my admiration for what is obviously superior parenting.

Go hang.  It'll be a cold, cold day in the Sahara when I care about what you think, primate.  My ancestors used to hunt yours, y'know.

This creature is a badass.

How does our resident badass feel about this lion family?

Humph.  Not so tough, if you ask me.  This window is locked, right?  The door?  Cool.  Just checking.

We topped this week off with an absolutely magical dinner.

This is Potato and Chick Pea stew, flavored with saffron, paprika and sherry.  There's plenty of garlic, too.  We used a bag of small, multi-colored potatoes.  Thicken it with Picada and top it with Romesco sauce and be delighted!  It's from Deborah Madison's Vegetarian cooking for Everyone.  Page 252.  Wow, is it good.  Leftovers for Monday night dinner, too!  WooHoo!!

Comments

[da tabbies o trout towne]

maddie....looks like me grate grate gram paw...pork chop oh cat...manee thanx ta yur dad for sharin theeze fotoz...we loves em...best fishes wee ones; heerz ta gazelle on yur dinner plates...♥
butter lover boomer o cat & crew

♥♥♥

happee week a head ~~~N maddie...yur foto ROCKS!!!

[Shaggy & Scout]

What little darlings! How cute that mom brought them a toy to play with! Hmmmm, typical dad, moms doing most of the work but he probably pads over & whaps them now & then. They look like a happy family. Shaggy goes along with Maddie: Respect....at a distance!