Handling Cubs for Photo Shoots Sends the Worst Possible Message

 

THEY’RE two of the country’s most beautiful women, but Jennifer Hawkins and Jessica Hart readily admit a litter of lion cubs are the real stars of Myer’s 2012 spring summer campaign.

In South Africa for a lavish 10-day shoot for the store’s new collection, Hawkins excitedly rushed across the rugged landscape in sky high-heels and a stunning sass&bide dress on Friday to pick up one of the cute and cuddly felines when they were brought on set.

“I can’t believe we got to hold them,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.

“It was a lot of fun and a bit nerve-racking because they are wild animals that can be unpredictable.”

Overwhelmed by the stunning Pilansberg National Park location, Hawkins said she was looking forward to embarking on an elephant safari when Jake Wall arrived for a romantic getaway next week.

“I’m really looking forward to Jake coming over,” she said.

Jessica Hart

“He’s so excited! This is on our bucket list for our honeymoon so we can tick that off now.”

Hart, who picked up the biggest cub, said she was now well acquainted with the wildlife in South Africa.

“I was (hand) feeding elephants yesterday, and rhinoceros were eyeing me off and men were standing by to make sure they didn’t charge — and all while I’m in my underwear shooting,” she said. “It was all a bit surreal.”