Safari animals hunting Smart cars

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk, August 16, 2005

Lions at a safari park have been prowling after Smart cars in the belief the tiny vehicles may be prey, it has emerged.

Visitors to Knowsley Safari Park, in Merseyside, have long been able to drive their cars within metres of lions.

But motorists in compact Smart cars have discovered that the lions are paying them particular interest.




David Ross, the manager of the park, said the lions were intrigued by the Smart cars' unusual appearance, but passengers were not in danger.

He said: "The lions are used to seeing saloons and family cars on a daily basis, but they had never seen a Smart before. Because of the cars' small size and unusual looks, the lions were immediately interested and went to take a closer look.

"We won't be excluding Smarts from the park but we will monitor their progress and ensure that the lions don't take anything more than a passing interest."

A Smart spokesman said: "Smarts always stand out wherever they go, but this kind of animal attraction is very unusual."

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