Lion sighting in Essex

[oblivion]

was "probably a dog".

Reports from frightened holidaymakers on Sunday triggered a police helicopter search and, nearly 24 hours later, the sighting continues to be taken seriously.


Forsyth and zoological director Anthony Tropeano of Colchester zoo arrived in St Osyth, where the sighting occurred, with tranquiliser equipment at the request of police, she said.


"By the time we got there whatever it was had gone. We were shown some photographs, but they were from very far away, very poor quality and to be honest there was no way of saying 'yes' or 'no'," Forsyth said.


Asked if she was sceptical that the animal pictured was a lion, she said: "I think it's unlikely. I think it was more likely to be a dog. It certainly wasn't a male lion. It didn't have a mane."

I want some of what those holidaymakers were smoking.

also...holidaymakers? interesting turn of phrase.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/au...?newsfeed=true

[MondoVman]

this?

[Grumps]

More likely a large domestic cat, if there even was one.

I can't remember the particular breed, but it was a goddamn massive cat. Also seems to me like that particular breed might also be the source of many 'big cat' sightings and urban myths.

[borealis]

Maybe they saw one of these:



or this:

[gib]

A woman has claimed sightings of a "lion"- which sparked an extensive search by Essex Police - were of her large pet cat, Teddy Bear.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-19397686

[gib]

[MondoVman]

Originally Posted by gib

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-19397686

"She said she believes Teddy Bear was mistaken for a lion by holidaymakers [the over-inebriated]"

[oblivion]

Essex Police have not released any details of the cost of the search, but have said about 25 officers were called to where the animal was seen, including specialist firearms officers and experts from Colchester Zoo.

Two police helicopters, one with thermal imaging equipment, were also used to try to detect any trace of an animal.

thorough.

[gib]

expensive

[oblivion]

yabbut ravening lions and holidaymakers don't mix.

[gib]

yabbut there were no lions missing from the zoo

[oblivion]

yabbut native lions. you guys have any of those?

[gib]

not for a long time. we like seeing alien big cats tho, i think it went UFOs, crop circles then ABCs

[oblivion]

not? Then why are there lions on your coat of arms???


eta though alien big cats are pretty cool.

[gib]

they are really cool but the interesting bit is the eye of the beholder

[oblivion]

The call is coming from inside the house.

[gib]

anything to make essex more exciting

[gib]

the best bit about all this was the first comment i saw on the Independent site:

a lion? in essex? has it no pride?

[oblivion]

The Essex Lion could one day rival Sasquatch in the eyes of holidaymakers.

[borealis]

Well, holidaymakers, actually...

[rainbow]

Originally Posted by gib

the best bit about all this was the first comment i saw on the Independent site:

a lion? in essex? has it no pride?

Quite.

[Bobby Arthur]

Originally Posted by oblivion

yabbut ravening lions and holidaymakers don't mix.

Depends on your perspective, I suppose.

[ericv00]

Originally Posted by gib

the best bit about all this was the first comment i saw on the Independent site:

a lion? in essex? has it no pride?

I think you are missing the mane point.

[charlou]

Originally Posted by ericv00

I think you are missing the mane point.

Careful, felines may get hurt.

[gib]

very paw