Man to spend 35 days with lions

VASILIJEVKA, Ukraine, July 13 (UPI) -- A Ukrainian man said he will attempt to raise money for his mini-zoo by spending 35 days locked in a cage with lions.

Oleksandr Pylyshenko, 40, of Vasilijevka, said he will spend 35 days in the 387-square-foot cage with lioness Katya and will often have lion Samson in the cage as well, Unian, the Ukrainian Independent Information Agency, reported Wednesday.

"On Aug. 2, I will settle with lioness Katya. And Samson will visit us. I will sleep on a wooden flooring and hay. A place for shower and toilet will be equipped in the cage. I will be drawing all the time -- because I am an artist," Pylyshenko said.

Pylyshenko, who said the stunt is a fundraiser for his mini-zoo, which also includes bears and lynxes, is quitting cigarettes and beer for the attempt.

"Animals do not like poignant smells and the lioness is near her time. In the middle of August Katya will bear lion cubs. I will assist in birth of lion cubs," Pylyshenko said.