This is the moment a lioness leaped into a man’s arms and embraced him after he saved her life.
Valentin Gruener, a conservationist from Germany, found the lioness as a cub three years ago wandering around on her own having been driven out of her pride.
Alone in the desert plains of Botswana she faced certain death.
But Valentin, who founded Modisa Wildlife Project in the country, took her in and nursed her back to health at the sanctuary.
Three years later, the pair are best friends, despite Sirga growing to a huge 140kg.
Each time he opens her gate to her enclosure she jumps into his arms with excitement to hug him.
