Unusual neighbors

Yes, zebras are neighbors of mine.

Around my home, it's common for me to hear horses, donkeys, turkeys, chickens, and goats. But uncommonly, I also sometimes hear a lion roar in the morning and the evening, at feeding times. The lion lives with zebras and other exotics, like wallabies and various antelopes, about a mile down the road from me, at the Pradon's place.

When I first moved out here nine years ago, I thought they were one of those places that raise exotic animals to stock hunting leases. But, through the grapevine and by observation (no animals mysteriously disappear) they seem to be merely animal lovers. It's not a zoo, although they do have a well-worn vehicle path around the fence line where lots of people have taken a mini-tour. Still, I'm not sure what their story is. Recently, they added a sign at the entrance, "Official USDA Research Center."

Sorry that there is no picture of the lion. The lion is on the interior and not visible. Only audible.