Warning: This article contains a video that may be distressing for some viewers.
A lioness heroically intervened to save a zookeeper who was attacked by a lion, coming to his rescue like a knight in shining armor.
Visitors at a lion enclosure, possibly located at a hotel in Las Vegas, were in for a surprise when they observed two zookeepers interacting with the lions.
One visitor captured a startling moment on camera when a lion suddenly became aggressive towards a zookeeper. Thankfully, an unexpected savior stepped in to assist.
A video, which has since been removed from Reddit, depicted two zookeepers within the lion’s enclosure observing a male lion and a lioness, both appearing to rest peacefully on the ground.
One zookeeper was responsible for monitoring the male lion—a task that nearly ended tragically.
In a brief moment when the camera shifted away, chaos ensued, and the astonished tourists could be heard gasping in alarm.
The camera quickly returned to show the lion attacking the keeper.
In a terrifying scene, the lion managed to pin the keeper to the ground, trying to bite his leg.
The other keeper rushed in to help, but it was the lioness’s swift actions that ultimately ensured both men were safe.
The lioness rushed over, climbed onto the male lion, and bit his tail, eventually positioning herself between him and the zookeepers. She led him away until he retreated.
On Reddit, users quickly sided with the lion, with one commenting: “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.”
Meanwhile, a third user criticized the zoo, stating: “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.”
Some people found humor in the situation, which fortunately ended well.
“I think I heard the lioness say ‘I can’t take you anywhere,'” one commenter joked.