Lions held in Romanian backyard moved to zoo

[March 17, 2011]  BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) -- A zookeeper says two lions discovered in a Romanian man's backyard will start a new life at his zoo.

Balthazar Bereczki of the Targu Mures zoo told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the lions, a one-year-old male and female, were removed last week by police from a backyard in the southwestern city of Turnu Severin. Police say a 45-year-old man had bought the animals in Bucharest in 2010 but it was illegal to keep them. Neighbors say they were not disturbed in any way by the lions. Bereczki said the lions are currently in quarantine and "are in perfect condition." The zoo is sponsoring a competition to name the lions. They will be seen in public for the first time next week. [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.