I've seen a lion close up.. very close up. Probably around 2 feet. It was several years ago when my class had the opportunity to go "backstage" at one of the biggest zoos in Denmark. We got to go in and see the lions when they're inside in their cages (they're normally outside) - Walking down a narrow hallway with cages filled with lions on both sides was an experience I'll never forget. Just the way they look at you is extremely scary.. you just now that if there weren't bars seperating you from them they'd kill you in a heart beat... and of course the sheer beauty and size of lions was amazing to see that close up.