Lions in Sydney

It's not every day you get to see lions in the middle of Sydney. A couple of nights ago, I saw two. Ok, so they weren't roaming the streets like in I Am Legend (the movie) eyeing commuters hurrying home in the rain for their next meal.

They were 8-week-old lion cubs on loan from Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland to promote new big cat conservation trips in Botswana and South Africa.

They certainly drew a crowd (limited to 50 people) and they were adorable. All fluff, spots and big blue eyes. See what I mean?

They were also wonderful (albeit unknowing) ambassadors for these new trips run by World Expeditions and led by Nat Geo Wild presenter, wildlife expert Ben Britton. (Ben is also director of Wild Animal Encounters, which brings wild animals to events to promote conservation.) Trips involve travellers helping to put GPS tracking collars on wild lions and leopards in Mashatu Game Reserve, getting closer than you would on safari, and staying in a tented camp at night.

Sounds good to me. Have you ever had any urban wildlife encounters?