The Lion Gets a Cuddle

A lovely Buffalo Zoo moment on video

Saturday, all the rain got to me and I had to get outdoors. When it looked as if it might not rain in the next few minutes, I braved it. I had to get out, breathe some air, talk to people. So I went to the zoo.

Tiberius was outside!

This is our beautiful lion, Tiberius Caesar. I was just talking to my friend Ryan, who is also a member of the Buffalo Zoo. We agreed that Tiberius is not out as often as the lionesses.

How regal Tiberius is.

What a face!

What an honor, to have him here among us. A few other visitors to the Zoo and I got talking about that.

He really lives up to his name, Tiberius Caesar.

Looking at him I got new respect for the new pope’s name, Leo. When the pope first appeared on the balcony and his name was announced, I actually went and told my cat. I said, “Jeoffry, we have a new pope. And his name is Leo!”

Here is a video I took where you can see Tiberius getting some love.

I am not sure who that lion is who visits him in his solitude! t first I thought it was a lioness however now I do not think so. It might be one of the lion cubs. They have been getting big! It looks as if it has the beginnings of a mane. And the dark mane that is Tiberius’ trademark.

Whatever their relation, he really lives up to his name, Tiberius. He looks like a Roman emperor with a lot on his mind. He is sitting there brooding, regal, lost in thought, and then his wife — or is that is son? — comes in and gives him a hug and cheers him up a bit.

A lovely leonine moment.

Mary Kunz Goldman is known in Buffalo for having written the Buzz Column, a popular feature in The Buffalo News, as well as another hit column, “100 Things Every Western New Yorker Should Do At Least Once.” She is the author of two books, “Pennario” and “Sketches of Buffalo.” Enjoy her independent Substack publication at MaryKunzGoldman.Substack.com. New stories appear just about every day!