Lions at Oregon Zoo Discover Hidden Camera

Officials at the Oregon Zoo in Portland were taken aback when a pride of lions discovered a hidden camera placed in their habitat. The zoo had intended to capture an "insider’s look" at the lions' daily activities, but the animals quickly found the camera, leading to unexpected footage. The zoo shared the amusing video on Facebook, showcasing the lions' curious behavior as they interacted with the camera. In the footage, several lions are seen resting when one paw enters the frame, followed by a lion's face that curiously adjusts the camera. The video captures a male lion carrying the camera before stopping to stare directly into the lens, displaying a level of curiosity that surprised the zoo staff. The final clip humorously reveals the inside of a lion's mouth as it yawns, offering a unique perspective on the animals' behavior. Kelly Gomez, the Africa area curator at the Oregon Zoo, noted that while caregivers witness these behaviors daily, the camera provided a fresh viewpoint. The lions reside in the "Predators of the Serengeti" exhibit and are part of a new breeding program aimed at supporting a genetically diverse and sustainable population of African lions, as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. Gomez highlighted the concerning decline in wild lion populations, stating that fewer than 25,000 remain in the wild today, a stark contrast to their previous abundance in East Africa just 25 years ago. The zoo has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident.