Parque Safari in the central Chile city has a fantastically original concept of how zoos can be more interesting. Visitors are driven through the African lion area in a safely caged-in topless bus.

The lions, attracted by bits of beef on top of the cage, roam freely all over the outside of the vehicle. They can peer for face-to-face close-ups through the metal mesh for portraits with and by the fascinated humans. The lions are willing to accept safe and friendly finger pats on their bellies. Senior photo and video addicts can have muy divertido shooting selfies with the king of beasts.

Parque Safari is about an hour’s drive south of Chile’s capital of Santiago. December daytime temperatures in the mid-70s. Entry fees are from about $10 for the safari and other features of the zoo. info@parquesafari.cl