Among the exhibits in the natural history galleries of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina was this lion, although it appeared to have been assembled by someone working from a description supplied over the telephone. The elongated face, wide eyes and unexpectedly modest mane gave it less the commanding presence of the king of the beasts and more the expression of a slightly startled dog that had just heard someone opening a packet of biscuits.
Taxidermy is an unforgiving business, particularly when the finished specimen is expected to represent an animal normally associated with strength and dignity for decades to come. This lion may not communicate quite the intended degree of menace, but it was certainly memorable and quickly became one of my favourite exhibits. There is something rather endearing about a museum lion that looks as surprised to be there as the visitors are to find it.
This photograph will also be a useful addition to my collection of Artichoke Hearts bar billiards memes, particularly for those occasions when Luke the Lion performs rather more like Luke the Mildly Alarmed Labrador.