Viral
Zoo Worker Filmed Teasing A Lion Through Its Cage Before It Gripped His Finger
The incident is under investigation.
Visitors of about 15 who recently visited the Jamaica Zoo were left horrified after a zookeeper desperately tried to pull his finger out from a lion’s jaw. The attendant had an intention to show off, placing his hand into a lion’s chain-linked cage, stroking and teasing the big cat. He ignored the lion’s snarls and even clapped at the dangerous animal.
But seconds later, the zookeeper started screaming expletives after it gripped his fingers.
Instantly he regretted his actions, especially as the animal chomped down on a finger and ripped it off before falling backward. A video, which filmed the incident, has gone viral on Twitter, garnering mixed reactions in the comment section. One of the visitors at the zoo explained they had just been on tour, and it was coming to an end before the gruesome incident.
Show off bring disgrace
— Ms blunt from shi born 🇯🇲 “PRJEFE” (@OneciaG) May 21, 2022
The lion at Jamaica Zoo ripped his finger off. pic.twitter.com/Ae2FRQHunk
They added: “When it happened, I thought it was a joke. I didn’t realize the seriousness of it because it’s their job to put on a show. Obviously, when he fell to the ground, everybody realized it was serious. Everybody started to panic.”
Following the attack, the zoo attendant reportedly got up and walked over to a vehicle before driving off. The traumatized visitor continued: “The entire skin and about the first joint of his finger was gone. I ran away from the whole thing because me nuh like see blood and it was too graphic for me. His facial expression when he was walking is like the pain never kicked in.”
Representatives of the zoo, located near Santa Cruz, have said they didn’t know of the incident.
But then the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has confirmed they were investigating. Managing director Pamela Lawson has also shared with the public: “We will be going down there and I will be communicating with the National Environment and Planning Agency who has oversight over Jamaica Zoo.” However, the zoo also houses zebras, monkeys, Illamas, and crocodiles.
