As part of the new African Lion Pride Lands exhibit, curious zoo goers can pay for a guided tour through the lions’ den – all in the safety of a purpose-built safari truck!

This immersive experience allows guests a unique opportunity to enter the new exhibit and peer at the pride.

“The Pride Lands Patrol truck tours in the new lion exhibit was full to capacity in the two-week school holiday period,” Taronga Western Plains Zoo director Steve Hinks said.

“Built in Queensland to our own design specifications, there has been quite a lot of engineering work that has gone into these vehicles. The zoo engaged structural engineers to ensure that the trucks have been reinforced to withstand any potential forces put on them. The vehicle is heavily armoured, with reinforcing around all the doors and windows.”

Sitting up high in the patrol truck, the view of the vast 3.5 hectare exhibit – from the inside –  is exhilarating. 

Passing through a fort of steel fences and gates which tower well above the truck, you feel completely safe and secure, even as the lions wander curiously around the vehicle. At times the lions get so close that you can see the features of their faces. The alert ears, their piercing eyes, the warm colour of their tan coats, even their whiskers. 

Being in the lions’ territory is a privilege and a anomalous experience and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

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