Ukrainian painter to spend 35 days in cage with lioness

 

A Ukrainian painter and owner of a small private zoo intends to spend 35 days in a cage with a pregnant lioness, local media said on Wednesday.

Alexander Pylyshenko entered the cage equipped with web cameras, a shower and lavatory on Tuesay and his dangerous vigil can be followed online at http://homezoo.com.ua/

He plans to help Katya, the nine-year-old lioness, deliver her cub when the time comes.

"Any animal, even a predator, should feel protected at this crucial moment," he said. "Katya lives among people and considers us members of her pride."

Katya's partner, a lion called Samson, will stay in a cage next door.

Pylyshenko, who keeps two lions, a bear and a lynx at his small private zoo, wants to raise money for a bigger zoo and to set a Guinness World Record.

James Jablon, the owner of a Florida wildlife rescue center, spent almost two weeks in a cage with two lions in January. The Ukrainian has a chance to break his record.

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