Lions are looking for a new owner for their jeep, paint damage only

“Offered for sale due to lack of valid driver’s license,” the zoo jokes on the ad that the jeep is being offered for sale. “MOT: completely rejected. Brand: not recognized. Road tax: according to the African rate, €0.00.”

It is about the jeep of four lions. For many years the car was parked in the outer courtyard so that the lions could lie on the roof in the sun. “With paint damage here and there, it was in need of replacement,” says gardener Koen Peters.

So the zoo offers a jeep for sale. The car goes to the highest bidder and the proceeds go to the Wildlife Foundation. “It’s a very special thing,” says Peters, as he drives around in a used jeep.

It is an English Land Rover with right hand drive. “Good for vacationers,” jokes the park ranger. “Though it needs to be cleaned up.”

“It has a nice hood, which has been used a lot by boys to get up on the roof.” When Peters opens the battered hood, he says: “Look, the engine is still in it. The car hasn’t been driven much, so it’s still original.”

Apart from the scratches and dents, it’s still a great car. As long as you ignore the rust, moss, mold and bad smell. “You might come across a bone here and there and there’s a smell in the jeep that you have to be a fan of. If you’re allergic to cats, you better watch out. There’s cat hair,” says Peters.

The four lions don’t have to be sad about the loss of their beautiful safari jeep. They get a new one in return. “Lions especially like high places to sleep so they can look around. Soon they will be able to sleep in the sun again in the new jeep.”

But who would want to buy such a car? Enough people, it turns out. According to Peters, others have already expressed interest. “It can be placed at a paintball track, camp or other zoo as a decorative piece. There are people who like that.” The highest bid is now seven hundred euros.