Wildlife park owner lucky to be alive following brutal lion attack
'It's truly a miracle that this man managed to survive this horrific ordeal,' says Damon Beard.
The owner of a predator park in South Africa has been mauled by a lion in front of screaming onlookers after he entered their enclosure.
According to Daily Mail, 67-year-old British expat Mike Hodge owns the Marakele Predator Park right here in SA. Both he and one of his rangers were alarmed by a particular smell in the enclosure that was worrying the lions. But seconds later, everything went wrong.
Shocking footage captured shows a male lion charging towards him and then dragging him into the bushes. Onlookers watched in horror and screamed for help. Shortly after, a loud sound was heard, and the lion dropped Mike and ran away.
It is reported that Mr Hodge was taken to hospital for his injuries and is busy being treated for them. Reports indicate that the lion was put down after the terrifying attack.
Read: Lion runs for cover after 'chew toy' explodes!
Many took to social media to express their views following the brutal attack.
"WHAT do PEOPLE expect, LION shot dead because of STUPIDITY. I don't feel sorry for people who think they are smarter than a PREDATOR," said Rob Nicoll.
While Jill Hodgson added: "This so called expert owner should not have entered the enclosure.... And now this magnificent creature has been shot dead because of a f#@%$*& idiot...."
Warning: The following footage may not be suitable for sensitive viewers.
Video courtesy of News24
Also read: Zookeepers save suicidal man by shooting two lions