Unbelievable moment zookeeper is attacked by a lion but saved by a lioness
It turns out people weren't lying when they warned of the dangers of entering the lion's den, as terrifying footage shows a zookeeper being attacked by the big cat, only to be saved by an unexpected hero.
In a video shared to Reddit, two zookeepers are seen an enclosure — which some users claim is at a hotel in Las Vegas — observing a male lion and lioness who are both calmly laying on the ground.
Warning: the video below may be distressing for some viewers:
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One keeper keeps a firm eye on the male lion, which proves to be a near fatal mistake as the seemingly tranquil scene quickly takes an ugly turn when the lion suddenly lashes out at him.
The camera pans away but quickly turns back amidst cries from onlooking tourists as the big cat goes for the keeper, getting him on the ground and clamping down on his leg.
His colleague rushes over to try and help, but it's the lioness’ quick reactions that ultimately saves them both.
Rushing over, she jumps on top of her mate and nips at his tail as he gets up, before eventually managing to get herself between him and the zookeepers, guiding him away from them until he storms off looking mightily disgruntled.
Her quick reaction likely saved the life of the zookeeper her mate attacked.
After the clip was shared on Reddit, people had some pretty strong reactions to the viral video.
Many were quick to take the side of the lion, with one user writing: "His posture, his body language. It says 'Challenge' and the lion took it as such.
"I won't say he deserves to die, but I believe the lion should be forgiven, and the man never allowed in an enclosure with a wild animal again."
Another added: "Dude was staring down the lion. Don’t stare wild animals in the eyes. It’s never not a threat."
A third took aim at the zoo itself, saying: "No zoo in their right mind would let workers or anyone be that close to lions. These people are obviously not trained properly in animal care."
Others saw the funny side of it, however, with one commenter quipping: "I think I heard the lioness say 'I can't take you anywhere.'
I think it's safe to say the lions proved they're the kings/queens of the jungle with this one.
Bec Oakes