Odd News Roundup: Lion sleeps it off after Saturday stroll through Italian town; Dogs don kimonos, receive blessings in place of children in aging Japan

The adult lion, named "Kimba", escaped from the "Rony Roller" circus on Saturday afternoon and was on the loose for around seven hours before he was sedated with an anaesthetic dart. Dogs don kimonos, receive blessings in place of children in aging Japan A traditional ceremony for children is catching on among pet owners in Japan, where dogs and cats are receiving ever more attention amid the nation's plummeting birth rates.

Following is a summary of current odd news briefs.

Lion sleeps it off after Saturday stroll through Italian town

A lion that escaped from an Italian circus has been taking well-deserved naps to recover from a Saturday night out in the seaside town of Ladispoli that sparked panic before authorities managed to recapture him. The adult lion, named "Kimba", escaped from the "Rony Roller" circus on Saturday afternoon and was on the loose for around seven hours before he was sedated with an anaesthetic dart.

Dogs don kimonos, receive blessings in place of children in aging Japan

A traditional ceremony for children is catching on among pet owners in Japan, where dogs and cats are receiving ever more attention amid the nation's plummeting birth rates. Natsuki Aoki took her two Chihuahuas on a plane ride to Tokyo from the western city of Hiroshima so her fur babies could get a special blessing.