A girl got the scare of her life after she was attacked by a lion while feeding it.
The 10-year-old was seen offering food through the cage when the animal suddenly thrust its paw through a gap in the bars.
The predator snagged her trouser leg and yanked the girl towards it.
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She could be heard screaming in terror as a zookeeper rushed in, grabbed her tightly and tried to haul her free.
The keeper then picked up a metal rod from the ground and repeatedly jabbed at the lion in a bid to force it to loosen its grip.
After a struggle lasting nearly half a minute, he finally managed to wrench her from the big cat’s clutches.
The horror unfolded at Shantou Zhongshan Park Zoo in Guangdong, China, on Thursday (26 Feb).
Local media report that the zookeeper had taken the girl into a designated safety buffer zone to feed the lioness, despite her being too young to take part.
He has since been suspended and reassigned, as reported by Need To Know.
Staff believe the lioness lashed out after spotting meat in the girl’s hand.
The youngster was taken to hospital for checks and was found to have suffered only minor abrasions to her leg.
After receiving a rabies vaccination, she later left with her parents, who reportedly do not hold the zoo responsible.
The zoo, known for its interactive animal-feeding experiences, was temporarily closed to prevent any repeat of the incident.
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