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The “Al-Helou” family in Egypt is one of the most famous families that have been breeding and taming lions and tigers for years.
In an interview with Sky News Arabia, the Egyptian lion trainer, Awsa Al-Helou, talks about some secrets, behind the scenes and adventures of training these lions. Predatory animals She points to her strong connection with lions and…TigersShe grew up among cubs and her father brought lion cubs home, before her relationship with adult lions began when she was 12 years old.
Cruelty and predation
Al-Halou says: “Lions and tigers don’t have a catalog, and there’s no guarantee that the coach won’t be attacked.” is an instinct in these animals.”
Al-Helou recalls the most famous incident in the mid-1980s, in which a lion named “Sultan” attacked her grandfather, Muhammad Al-Helou.
She continues that this painful accident happened when her grandfather was performing in the ring and someone tried Black He courted a female lion, “Sultan”, which made “Sultan” jealous, and a fight broke out between the two lions when Al-Helu intervened and hit “Sultan”, to break up the fight, which made him angry and he imagined . that the trainer was biased against the other lion because he did not hit him.
Although “Sultan” did not react at that moment, he was angry, and immediately after the end of the show, “Sultan” used the opportunity to attack his grandfather, who killed him. Add sweet.
In a tone filled with sadness, Al-Helou explained that the lion “Sultan” did not intend to kill her grandfather, and the evidence was that he was depressed for 5 days after the accident and abstained from eating to the point that he died. her grandfather died on the same day.
Al-Helou believed that the “Sultan’s” attack on her grandfather was only an emotional act as an expression of his anger, as he did not realize that such behavior would lead to Al-Helou’s death, explaining that the perception of lions is limited. and that he cannot distinguish between his dealings with lions and their trainers.
Controlling predatory animals
Al-Halou also recounts the accident in which she was mauled by the tigress “Camellia”, which happened about 5 years ago while presenting a show in the town of Marsa Matrouh, west of Alexandria by the neck, which led to her injury, and her transfer to the hospital where she received the necessary help.
Al-Halou pointed out that she is sometimes attacked by the animals she trains because predation is their instinct, but as a result of her strong bond with them, they do not prey on her and it does not go beyond biting or scratching.
She said that Ashraf, the lion closest to her heart, would have killed her once, adding that she managed to avoid being bitten.
She explained that she instructed her support team to never interfere unless a lion or tiger forcibly grabbed her, noting that she understands the personalities of her “beasts”, which are as different as humans, because she knows when to betray and when to give. be. under control, and that when he feels that someone is going to attack, he works to calm and restrain him.
She stated that she adheres to some methods to help tame them and reduce their ferocity, such as offering donkey meat after slaughtering and cutting it into small pieces so that they do not have to use the instinct of violence and predation when eating it, and so that they do not get used to using their hands and claws.
Combine lions and tigers on the ring
Regarding the simultaneous gathering of lions and tigers in the ring, Al-Helou confirmed in an interview with “Sky News Arabia” that it is an extremely dangerous thing, because the two species have a strong enmity between them, and each of them has its own den, herd and character.
She adds: “The lion is considered the king of the jungle, but the tiger is faster, crueler and less loyal than lions, so bringing them together in shows can lead to fights and conflicts and expose the trainer to serious risks.” .” She confirmed that she had warned her support team not to interfere or enter the ring if there was a confrontation between the two monsters, so that she could resolve the fight.
Regarding the performance and intelligence of lions and tigers, Al-Halou believed that tigers are more intelligent and learn faster than lions in general, the degree of intelligence varies from one lion to another and from one tiger to another it responds to exercises and commands and learns “tricks ” quickly and easily, and we see him as an “artist” on to the performing scene. .”
Cheering is trained Predators She wants to diversify their meals between chicken, cow meat, donkey meat and horse meat so that they don’t get bored, noting that lions generally hate bathing water, but they are used to bathing, and as for tigers, they like fish swimming, and so she set up pools for them at the family farm down the road Egypt-Alexandria, which is more like… An open zoo.
Coping with predators
Regarding the techniques of dealing with these predatory animals, Al-Helou confirmed that lions and tigers are psychologically affected and do not accept to participate in shows if they are insulted, indicating that she also feels jealous of their trainers.
Regarding the art of interacting with predatory animals, Al-Helou said: “I integrate more with animals than with people, they are not afraid of these beasts, but some trainers use them on stage with the aim of impressing.” audience, but I don’t prefer this method and I like to deal with them with love.”
Regarding the possibility of hosting someone in the presence of a lion, Al-Helou said in a strong tone that drew its intensity from the courage of lions: “Why not?” Pointing out that the animals she raises respond to her, and none of her guests have any fear of these predators. animals as long as they are in their presence.
