Most people (and most other animals) tend to give Bonedigger his personal space. And it's the smart thing to do. Because Bonedigger is as fearsome looking as his name suggests.
He's a fully grown male lion that weighs around half a tonne. And if he stood up to show you who's really in charge, he'd tower over seven feet tall. Bonedigger is not the kind of dude you want to mess with.
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A giant softie
But this apex predator has three little pals who see him as nothing but a big softy. They're a trio of Dachshunds who spend most of their time chilling with Bonedigger in his enclosure.
Bonedigger loves all his tiny buddies, but he has an extraordinary bond with one of the cute sausage dogs called Abby. The pair were first introduced when Abby was just nine weeks old, and they've been BFFs ever since.
John Reikene is the park manager who helps take care of Bonedigger and his little pooch crew. He's watched this incredible interspecies friendship blossom from day one.
"Who would have thought that a lion would become such great friends with sausage dogs?" says John. "Abby looks like something Bonedigger would snack on between his main meals. But he's so gentle and kind with all of them. They're always just loving on each other."
The animals live at the G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, USA. All of them (including Bonedigger) were hand-reared by John and his wife.
A very happy family
Bonedigger used to live inside John's house. The pair even cuddled up on the sofa before Bonedigger grew too big! And that human touch has left a lasting impression on the huge cat. John describes him as a big puppy:
"Bondigger's like a dog. When he hasn't seen me for ages, he gets all excited and runs up to me, covering me with kisses. He's my big baby, and the sausage dogs are his babies."
What a beautiful (although slightly unusual) family!
