Lioness pounces on conservationist for huge cuddle
The super-cute moment a lioness greets an old human friend with a huge cuddle has been caught on camera.
Conservationist Valentin Gruener has raised Sirga the lioness from a cub.
Traveller John Hawkins shot the video at the Modisa Wildlife Project near Maun, Botswana, and it shows the pair rubbing noses and hugging in a poignant scene.
According to the Daily Mail, Mr Hawkins said: "Val is a wildlife conservationist that raised Sirga the lioness almost from birth.
"This guy is exceptionally inspirational. He takes her on game walks and she can even hunt on her own."
Mr Gruener founded the wildlife project after volunteering at a nature reserve in 2009.
It works in partnership with the Grassland Safari Lodge and saves lions and big cats by capturing animals in conflict with farmers who will kill them.
Mr Hawkins uploaded the clip to YouTube and wrote: "This is one of the best experiences of my life! I love animals so much, seeing this made me so happy."
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