One of the most simple things visitors at a zoo fail to understand is that animals need their own space. While some can be extremely friendly in nature, there are some which can go back to their wild self, if disturbed.
However, Pieter Nortje, an old man who was taking a tour of the Tikwe River Lodge in South Africa, crossed the line of safety without having an idea of the consequences. Though he had a guide to accompany him during the round, the 55-year-old man decided to put his arms inside a lion enclosure in a bid to pet them.
In the video going viral, he can be seen stroking a male lion while saying jokingly,
 “If you bite me, then I’m going to bite you back.”
He then tries to do the same to a lioness but the female was not having it. Things turn scary in a flash as the lioness bites his arm and starts dragging him towards the cage! His wife can be heard screaming,
“It’s biting him, it’s biting him.”
Here is the video:
They never learn pic.twitter.com/KDtWPRYrCr
— African (@ali_naka) April 10, 2019
According to NDTV, the lioness had Nortje’s arm in her mouth for a full five seconds before letting him go! He was rushed to the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein immediately and is believed to be in a serious condition suffering from septic shock.
The Daily Mail reports that the Tikwe River Lodge has denied all responsibility for the incident. They were quoted stating,
“There are warning signs everywhere. Nortje stuck his hand through the electric fence to touch the lions and was bitten.”
This again comes as a warning to all tourists who try to go too close to the animals for clicking pictures or two touch them. Always maintain a safe distance unless you are a trained expert in dealing with wild beasts.