Angelina Jolie guarded by lions

Apr 11, 2006, 15:12 GMT

Angelina Jolie is being guarded by lions.

The Oscar-winning actress - who is expecting a child with boyfriend Brad Pitt - is currently in hiding at a remote game lodge in Namibia.

She's hoping that the wild animals will stop the world's press getting too close.

Jolie, Pitt and their two adopted children - Zahara and Maddox - arrived in the country last week increasing speculation that the 'Mr and Mrs Smith' star is planning to give birth there.

The pair had planned to spend the pre-birth period at a luxury beach resort, but - for security reasons - decided to head to the Etosha National Game Park in northern Namibia instead.

The pair have already reportedly angered locals by closing roads around the hideaway.

Last month, it was rumoured Jolie was planning to give birth in France as a tribute to her dying mother.

Her mother, Marcheline Betrand, who has terminal cancer, was born in the City Of Love although she now lives in the US.

She reportedly wanted her daughter, who also has an adopted son, Maddox, to maintain a 'circle of life' by delivering her child there.

The baby - which will be first biological child for the couple - is due on May 18th.

Copyright 2006 BANG Media International