A lioness grabbed a 10-year-old girl through the bars of its enclosure at a zoo in Shantou, China, after a zookeeper allowed her inside a safety barrier to feed the animal.
Video footage shows onlookers standing by without intervening as the zookeeper struggled alone to pull the girl free from the lion’s grip.
The girl was pulled to safety by the zookeeper after a brief but intense struggle and did not appear to suffer life-threatening injuries. She was left shaken and screaming as the animal gripped her leg through the bars.
The incident occurred moments after the zookeeper allowed the child inside a safety barrier to feed the lioness, placing her within reach of the enclosure. The animal suddenly lunged forward and clamped onto the girl’s trousers with its paw.
The zookeeper immediately grabbed hold of the child and attempted to pull her away, engaging in a tug-of-war with the lioness as it refused to release its grip. As seen from the video the struggle lasted 26 seconds as the girl cried out.
During the struggle, the zookeeper picked up a thin metal rod and used it to prod the animal in the face, forcing it to loosen its grip. The distraction allowed him to free one of the girl’s legs before eventually pulling her completely out of reach.
Onlookers nearby were seen watching the incident unfold, with no immediate assistance offered as the zookeeper attempted to free the child. A larger crowd had gathered at the scene, observing as the situation developed.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any safety protocols were violated, though the incident has raised concerns about allowing visitors close contact with dangerous animals.
Zoo Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about safety practices at the zoo, particularly after the child was allowed inside a restricted barrier, according to reports.
The barrier appeared to be designed to keep visitors out of reach of the animals, yet the girl was permitted to approach the enclosure closely enough to feed the lioness.
Footage of the incident suggests the gaps between the bars were wide enough for the animal to extend its paw beyond the enclosure.
Close interaction with dangerous animals is typically restricted in most zoos due to the risk of sudden and unpredictable behavior.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any safety protocols were violated.
Rescue Effort
The zookeeper’s actions were central to the girl’s survival during the incident, as he acted immediately to pull her away from the animal.
He was seen gripping the child and pulling repeatedly as the lioness maintained its hold on her leg.
The struggle lasted several seconds before the zookeeper used a metal rod to distract the animal and break its grip.
The child was eventually freed and removed from immediate danger.
Bystander Reaction
Onlookers at the scene were seen watching the incident unfold without intervening, according to video footage.
Two people stood close to the enclosure as the struggle took place, with no visible attempt to assist.
A larger crowd had gathered nearby, observing as the situation escalated.
The reaction of the crowd has drawn attention online, with some questioning why no one stepped in to help.
Aftermath
The condition of the girl has not been officially detailed, though she did not appear to suffer critical injuries.
It remains unclear whether the zoo or its staff will face any consequences following the incident.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the event are expected to determine whether safety procedures were properly followed.
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