【英语时差8,16】养狮子当宠物？（在线收听）

 Scientists from France have found the remains of a lion in an ancient burial place in Egypt. The researchers say it appears that the body had been specially treated after death to protect the remains of the big cat. Egyptians did this to the bodies of important people and animals. Lions are described in the art and writings of ancient Egypt. But the researchers say no physical evidence had been found until now. They reported that they found the lion south of Cairo in the burial place of Maia. She served as a caretaker for King Tutankhamen. The scientists say the discovery confirms that Egyptians considered lions a sacred animal. They reported that the lion had been placed on a rock in a large room in the burial place. The researchers say the lion apparently lived to an old age and had been cared for by humans.The animal could have represented a god. But some other scientists question this theory. They point out that the researchers did not find evidence of the cloth used to wrap important people and animals after death. One scientist suggests that the lion might have been important as a family pet.