11 February 2024 , 13:13
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Holly Willoughby celebrated turning 43 by sleeping next to a pride of lions - which is as epic as it gets.
The former This Morning presenter was surprised with a weekend trip to Port Lympne Safari Hotel in Kent. She shared a video montage of the once in a lifetime experience to Instagram.
She added: "Thank you to my family for the best birthday weekend… Lions and Lie-in’s pretty much sums it up @portlympnepark #lions #sleepover #lionlodge Thank you for your birthday messages as well… super grateful."
In the clip, Holly can be seen gently stroking a rhino, feeding a giraffe and stroking its cheek not to mention enjoying some afternoon tea. But the most incredible bits are definitely when she raises a toast to a lion from the window of her Lion Lodge accommodation, and then footage of the male big cat looking through the glass - as the family watch Gladiators. She also filmed the amazing beast roaring in the morning mist.
Holly Willoughby meets a rhino on her birthday (hollywilloughby / Instagram)The Port Lympne website describes the "Manhattan loft style buildings" as allowing guests to sleep in African lions Kamari and Hasani's enclosure. It reads: "The first of its kind worldwide, the Lion Lodges are timber clad, set within the lion’s natural and spacious habitat. Featuring picture windows in both the master bedroom and the open plan living area, guests will be just a breath away from magnificent lions."
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Fans were astounded by the clip. One wrote: "We loved it there - we went last Feb and stayed in Rhino Lodge - such a special experience." Another said: "Amazing!!! Was it great fun? I hope you had a wonderful birthday."
She stayed in a Lion Lodge, where she could see two African lions up close (hollywilloughby / Instagram)
She stroked a rhino during her stay (hollywilloughby / Instagram)There were more birthday wishes on DOI's official page after the show marked the presenter's special day. There were plenty of stars from the current series who were quick to share their congratulations to Holly with best wishes for her birthday. Among the first to reply was former Olympic ski jumper Eddie Eagle, who commented simply: "Happy birthday."
She fed some giraffes, and stuck in a sneaky stroke (hollywilloughby / Instagram)
One of the lions came over as the family watched Gladiators (hollywilloughby / Instagram)Adele Roberts added her support, writing "Happy birthday Holly", while Abbey Clancy commented "Love you birthday girl", and current This Morning presenter Alison Hammond added: "Happy birthday queen." Christine Lampard, who is one of Holly's closest friends, posted: "Happy Birthday gorgeous girl @hollywilloughby Hope you’re having the best day!!!" Holly shared her thanks to Christine for the message, replying: "Love you."
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