PORTLAND -- A video of a little boy's visit to the lion exhibit at the Oregon Zoo has been getting quite a bit of attention, becoming a viral sensation online.
The one-year old, named Jack, is dressed in a striped jacket that looked a little like a zebra and the lioness is quite intrigued. In fact, she appears to be trying to take a swipe at him.
But of course, the thick glass between the lion and the little boy protects him from any harm.
Raw video: Lion & 'zebra boy' at Oregon Zoo
Jack and his family were visiting the zoo from Bend. His mother, Heather can be heard giggling as her son appears unfazed.
Heather even encouraged her little zebra to say, hi kitty, kitty to Kya the lion.
He looked like a tasty baby zebra, she said. We just thought it was hilarious.
Zookeepers said it's not uncommon for the lions to interact with little kids peering through the glass at their exhibit.
She's using a typical prey behavior, explained Oregon Zoo Director Kim Smith.
She added that the zoo has gotten a number of emails from people concerned about the lioness' behavior. She assured them it was natural behavior for a wild cat and the boy was never in any danger.
