Trapped with the lions
Visitors with children in car cower at UK safari park as big cats clamber on roof
IT IS meant to be a chance to come face-to-face with the world’s most feared predators in a safe environment.
But Abi Tudge and Jaz Reynolds were put far out of their comfort zone when a pride of 300lb lions surrounded their car during a visit to West Midlands Safari Park.
Miss Tudge, 23, and Miss Reynolds, 28, watched on in shock as the big cats bounded towards their Hyundai.
The women from Hereford, who had arranged the trip as a treat for two children they were caring for, were trapped in the enclosure for nearly an hour after rangers closed the gates to deal with the ‘agitated’ animals.
Heart-stopping footage shot by Miss Reynolds showed the beasts leaping on to the roof and bonnet, leaving behind a huge paw printshaped smudge.
Miss Tudge said the pair had feared the car’s windows would be smashed by the raging animals during their visit to the popular attraction in Bewdley, Worcestershire, on Wednesday.
‘We were so shaken up and trying to make sure the children were OK,’ she said. ‘The rangers were in their vehicle, but nowhere near the lions.’
Miss Reynolds, who owns the car, added: ‘It was the last thing you would expect to happen on a casual day out.
‘The lions were making a lot of noise and a few of them were wrestling – I think there was a female that they were trying to chase.
‘The employees weren’t able to open the gates to let us out because of the disturbance.
‘Then, out of nowhere, a load of them darted towards my car and started jumping all over it.’
She said they had tried to remain calm to avoid upsetting the children. They remained in the car for 50 minutes before the exit gates were reopened. ‘One of them went up on the bonnet, and another one jumped on the roof. They really got up close and personal.
‘Eventually the gates opened so that we could get out, and we just carried on our day as normal.
‘The staff were amazing. I have to commend them for what they did.’ But she said the terrifying ordeal hasn’t put them off – adding the children found it ‘absolutely hilarious’. West Midlands Safari Park said the exit gate had only been closed for ‘a short period of time’, but not how long exactly.
A spokesman added: ‘The male lions have been in the process of being mixed with the females for a few months.
‘This has been going well and there was no reason to believe that there would be any issues.
‘There was an experienced staff member within the enclosure and at no time were guests in danger.’