Roaring England to success

Harry Mane - one of our famous lions - took possession of the ball and roared England to success as keepers marked the Euros final with football enrichment.

The lionesses won Harry’s pride as they vied to be the one to score a wonder goal like Ollie Watkins in Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands; Malika succeeded in being first to get a ball over the line in the natural climbing area of the reserve which featured a newly built goalmouth.

Amy Waller, Safari Team Manager, said: “We always look for different types of stimulation as it gives the lions something different to do and they enjoy it; football was an obvious one for this week given the Euros final this weekend and they had enjoyed playing with balls in the lead-up to the tournament.

“There were tussles and tackles in the penalty area, and we all cheered when Harry grabbed the ball and roared loudly; it was fabulous to hear and to have captured on video.

“All of us at Longleat are hoping England bring it home.”

Simon Russell, Chief Executive of Wiltshire FA, said: "It's amazing to see how everyone gets behind our national teams and having the power and majesty of the Longleat lions roaring on the boys will certainly help in the final!"

An FA spokesperson said: “We appreciate all the fantastic support we are receiving back home.”

Football connections go back to England’s World Cup win for Longleat as in July 1966, the safari park  - which was the first to open outside Africa in the same year - was visited by the World Cup referees which included Gottfried Dienst, who officiated when England beat West Germany 4:2.