Lion Park speaks out after tourist attacked by lion
FOURWAYS - An Australian tourist got more than he bargained for when was attacked by a lioness at the Lion Park in Lanseria.
Lion Park operations manager, Scott Simpson has warned visitors to the park to obey the rules and to respect the lions.
This after an Australian tourist, Brendan Smith was attacked in his car by a lioness on 26 March.
“The tourist and a friend were visiting a lion camp at the park,” said Simpson. “On arrival they had received a notice informing them about keeping all windows and doors closed and locked during the drive.” There was also signage all over the park warning of the dangers of leaving windows and doors open during the drive.
Smith and his friend stopped to take pictures in their car. They left the passenger window open, and a lioness approached the car and attacked
Smith through the window. Smith suffered injuries to his legs.
“I visited Brendan while he was in hospital, he seems to be in seemingly good spirits and is recovering well,” said Simpson.
30 March, 12.45pm:
Arriving just 36 hours before the attack occurred, Perth resident Brendan Smith decided to see ‘real’ Africa and embarked on a safari trip at the park. It is apparent that the lion jumped through the window and attacked Smith.
In a Facebook post soon after the attack, Smith recalled the terrifying moment. “No later than 36 hours after touching down in Africa, I find myself in hospital after a lion jumped through the car window and decided to go to town on my legs,” he wrote.
Smith uploaded graphic images of the attack on Facebook, and friends and family commented by wishing him a full recovery. Known as an adrenalin junkie, Smith was taken aback by his experience, “Pretty full-on but am alive, with insurance coming to the party and an influx of curious Africans wanting to see the lion man,” he said.
He was treated at the Life Fourways Hospital soon after his attack. Fourways Review is awaiting comments from the Lion Park and Life Fourways Hospital.
Watch a video of a lion opening a car door from earlier this year:
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