Pictures of Lions getting Foot Massage

22, June, 2021 06:29:21 AM

News claim: Images of a lion getting a foot massage is widely shared on Social media showing the lions getting a foot massage.

Viral News Information:

No, this is not a hunting photo.....Briton Alex Larenty lives on a game reserve in South Africa and spends his days giving lions foot massages. One day, he discovered that every time a lion has applied a cream to cure an infection on its paws, the lion would slacken and appear to smile. Since then, he has massaged all the lions in the park on a daily basis. Thanks to the pampering, he created a bond such that just by seeing him arrive, the lions lie down, begin to stretch their legs and smile. With love and respect, all relationships are possible!

News Verification & Origin: Ayupp fact check team found that the images shared from big game reserve in South Africa is true. The photos are orginal and taken from Getty images and has been online since 2009. The Original images licensed by the Caters agency and originally published in a 2009 Daily Mail article.

As mentioned in Getty Images

Lion Tamer Alex Larenty

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 31: EXCLUSIVE Trainer Alex Larenty gives Jamu the Lion a foot massage at the Lion Park on May 31, 2010, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Casting a spectacular image Jamu the nine-year-old male lion enjoys his favourite game 'This Little Piggy' with fearless handler, Brit Alex Larenty, 50, from Chipping Norton. Caught on camera in sunny South Africa last week, 250kg Jamu looks like the cat who got the cream as he casually lies back and lets his keeper massage his gigantic paw. Alex, who emigrated to South Africa, is able to get incredibly close to the big cats he works with at The Lion Park near Johannesburg, through complete mutual trust. Having reared many from birth, he is able safely to walk into the middle of colossal Jamu's pride and play games while surrounded by huge numbers of the massive predators. While a stranger trying the same thing would end up as lunch for the animals, Alex uses his unique relationship to get close to the big cats he loves. He said: "I built up a relationship with Jamu through putting insect repellent onto him, which is necessary here to keep our animals protected from things like parasites. He eventually realised he liked being scratched and tickled and now his favourite game is 'This Little Piggy'. He loves it'." Alex is offering his masseuse services to England's lions - the national football team - who travelled to the country on June3 for the 2010 World Cup. (Photo by Matthew Tabaccos / Barcroft Medi / Getty Images)

As per the Mirror,: "Zavu is a special lion because he loves me and we are best friends.

"He loves to be cuddled and be centre of attention. One of his favourite things is a foot massage.