Lions Are Chilling On Roads As Humans Stay Home During Lockdown

Main image via Twitter

With more and more humans retreating into their homes to help stop the spread of COVID-19, many animals are coming out of their habitats and taking over.

From a pack of wild mountain goats taking over a town in the UK to puppies and kittens taking over aquariums in the USA, animals all over the world are having fun outdoors while we stay in.

Now, adding to the “animal takeover” is a pride of lions in South Africa who have taken over the roads!

Image via CNN

South Africa is currently under a lockdown and most residents are staying home to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This has given a pride of lions from South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the perfect opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Images of these magnificent big cats lounging on a road - who seem totally unbothered by the presence of photographer, park ranger Richard Sowry, have been making their way around social media.

Image via Twitter

“This lion pride are usually resident on Kempiana Contractual Park, an area Kruger tourists do not see,” the park tweeted. “This afternoon they were lying on the tar road just outside of Orpen Rest Camp.”

Kruger visitors that tourists do not normally see. #SALockdown This lion pride are usually resident on Kempiana Contractual Park, an area Kruger tourists do not see. This afternoon they were lying on the tar road just outside of Orpen Rest Camp.
📸Section Ranger Richard Sowry pic.twitter.com/jFUBAWvmsA

— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) April 15, 2020

The area is usually busy with tourist but since the national park has been closed to the public, the lions have ventured further than their norm.

“Lying on the road during the daytime is unusual because under normal circumstances there would be traffic and that pushes them into the bush,” park spokesman Isaac Phaahla said to CNN.

All over the Twitterverse, people are amazed at these lazing big cats and many are overjoyed at these animals taking back what’s theirs.

Looks pretty nice. I've seen a few videos from around the world other animals walking through city streets and looking around and then just continuing to do their thing. It's quite beautiful and they are wondering where we are.

— Lori Brown (@LoriBrown82) April 17, 2020

Mother nature is enjoying the #lockdown. No humans to bother them.

— Emile van Rooyen (@EmilevanRooyen2) April 15, 2020

Especially those tour vehicles!

— Heartbeat Of Africa (@PeterDermauw) April 15, 2020

It should have never not been theirs. Did I say that correctly?

— Mew2 (@Mew265847569) April 17, 2020

I'm so happy for them. The simple pleasures of lion life. Warm pavement, sleeping in the sun. Doesn't get any better than that. For all the joy their species gives visitors from around the world, they deserve it. Enjoy every minute of it, guys! ♥️🦁

— Art Excursions (@ArtExcursions) April 16, 2020

What a beautiful photos!!! These lions have holiday now because of the tourist being gone 😂😂

— Aly (@CrypticAly) April 15, 2020

Wish it was always like this...we just intrude all the time.

— Jumping Bean (@burpeesRfun) April 17, 2020

I know they'd rip my face off if I were to do this, but in my dreams, I'd give each one of the majestic cats a good belly rub.

— Ess Jay Bee—SearchBanned + SearchSuggestionBanned (@SJB_in_NDG) April 16, 2020

Underrated tweet ..! 😂

— Spare-Parts (@YhawRello) April 18, 2020

A beautiful sight and those lions must be feeling like aahh...peace at last.

— Patience pjm molepo (@Patience_Molepo) April 17, 2020

Beautiful, Mother Nature as is intended. A pride sunning themselves on the warm tar road. 💕 If nothing else, I hope we all learn from this lockdown, this planet is as much there's as it is ours.

— Valerie Isaac 🦋 (@fidfetish) April 17, 2020

pic.twitter.com/5ioYimpqgr

— Nicole (@BurrrBoo) April 17, 2020

OMG... Phew .... I thought they were dead at first glance .... beautiful lions relaxing 🦁💓 pic.twitter.com/YzGWmexMcP

— PENELOPE ANN (@mymoomoo22) April 18, 2020

It makes us so happy that these lions are enjoying themselves! It’s definitely true, Mother Nature is celebrating while the humans stay indoors!

While we’re incredibly happy to see these animals out and about, be sure to keep playing your part by staying home to stop the spread of COVID-19! Together we can #FlattenTheCurve!

Stay updated with the latest COVID-19 news here: https://en.syok.my/covid-19

Info via CNN