Big cat nap: A lion and his lioness spotted spooning in the South African sun



It's hard work being king of the jungle and keeping up a fearsome reputation.

So perhaps it's not surprising that every now and again even the toughest lion in the pride feels the need for a bit of a cuddle with his favourite lioness.



This pair were spotted snoozing and snuggled up together in the shade of a tree in a South African animal reserve.

The lion sleeps tonight: The big cats spoon in the midday sun

They are rare white lions, their pale coats the result of a recessive gene. They were pictured by Eliane Graham, who spent a few weeks volunteering at the lion park earlier this year.

Miss Graham, 38, from London, said: 'I was going for a drive though one of the reserves when I saw this pair. I have never seen two lions lying like that before.



'Lions are very social animals and like to live and sleep together. It was quite human, the way they were holding each other.'

Miss Graham was working at The Lion Park, near Johannesburg, which is home to more than 80 lions, as well as other carnivores such as cheetahs and spotted hyenas.