The England Women’s World Cup team is named after their animal counterparts - lionesses who are known for their teamwork, agility, stamina, and strength.
The performances of the Lionesses have seen World Cup fever gripped the nation, including some big cats at Bristol-based Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.
And to celebrate England’s almost certain World Cup victory, Noah’s Ark’s very own lioness Arusha and her cubs, Kojo and Tau, roared approval as they tackled a giant England-themed football, stuffed with mouthwatering treats. Just like the Lionesses, they thrive on enrichment activities like this to keep them at the top of their game.
“We are so proud of the Lionesses for the massive achievement of reaching the World Cup Final,” said Noah’s Ark's Managing Director, Larry Bush. “We’ll all be roaring them on to beat Spain on Sunday. But win or lose they are already the pride of England.”
While England’s Lionesses have inspired thousands of girls and women to get involved in football, Noah’s Ark's Larry Bush, underlines the deeper message. "The Lionesses are going from strength to strength, but populations of their wild counterparts, African lions, are rapidly decreasing.”
African lions are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The lion population in Africa has decreased by 90% in the last century. There are estimated to be only 23,000 left in the wild.
Noah’s Ark and it’s lion pride champion these big cats, shedding light on their dwindling populations due to habitat loss, human conflict, and climate change, and inspiring visitors on the steps they can take to positively impact global conservation efforts to secure a future where African lions can thrive in the wild.
“As Lionesses chase glory, let's rally to ensure both kinds of Lionesses roar for generations to come,” adds Bush