Brave keeper gives fully grown male LION head massage (photos, video) - TUKO.CO.KE

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- A lion keeper at a South African conservation center has developed strong bonds with the lions

- The lions absolutely enjoy his head massages

- A video captures an adorable moment a fully grown male lion enjoys one

A lion keeper at the GG Conservation Centre in South Africa has developed strong bonds with the 74 lions being cared for at the Centre.

42-year-old Mike Mapalala is able to get close to the lions safely and give them relaxing head and neck massages, which they absolutely enjoy.

The Centre has shared a video of Mapalala giving a head massage to a fully grown male lion—and it is adorable.

Mike Mapalala giving the huge lion a massage


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The directors of the Centre, Suzanne Scott and Pat Shannon, say Mapalala has established a unique relationship with the lions.

Scott says: "Mike has a special relationship with the lions and he knows which ones like human interaction. He knows when it is safe to touch the lions and there is no worry of them lashing out."

READ ALSO: Maasai warrior braves marauding lions to protect his cattle

Smokey enjoys a relaxing massage


The huge lion seen in the video is named Smokey and is seven years old. However, he seems to enjoy the relaxing massage much like a domestic cat would.

READ ALSO: Lioness showed lion who "wears the pants"

Scott says Smokey waits for Mapalala every morning for his head massage and would delay all activities until he gets it.

Watch the adorable video below.


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