Australian toddler and lion cub become firm friends

Little Maddi Robinson’s new pet kitten is nearly as big as her. After being rejected by her mother, three-week-old lion cub Sassie has made her home with Maddi’s family, which owns the Darling Downs Zoo near Toowoomba.

Two of four cubs born at the zoo three weeks ago have taken up residence alongside the Robinson family, spending their days reclining on the couch and dozing on the lounge room floor.

Maddi is happy to do her bit by helping keep the cubs entertained and it's they, not the two-year-old, who must keep their wits about them. "At the moment she's a bit rough with them. We're always telling her to be gentle but it won't be long before they turn the tables," mother Stephanie Robinson said.

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While eventually Sassie’s teeth will be too big to have the run of the house, Maddi is making the most of her warm and cuddly playmate. For now, the pair are inseparable.