If there ever was a career that has a strong call for bravery, it is being a zookeeper. Especially one that is going to get up close and personal with not just one leopard or one tiger but several of them. One such zookeeper had a call much closer than he would have liked.
A Bit of Pampering
Young female lions enjoying the company of the zookeeper who is relaxed and enjoying himself as much as what the lions are
As the zookeeper is in a large enclosed area with several different Big Cats all seems calm. One of the young female lions is thoroughly enjoying a belly rub. It is what is going on in the background that needs to be paid attention to.
The Tiger Goes About His Business
Tiger roams lazily about behind the zookeeper`s back then decides to lay down.
Throughout the enclosed area, there are many big cats. All of which seem to be paying no mind to the zookeeper who is as much at home in this enclosure as what the cats are. The tiger lays down and does a quick cleaning of his paws. Then the movement of a leopard in the distance grabs his attention, and it is clearly seen that the Tiger has gone into the attack position.
What`s Up With The Leopard Off In the Distance?
The leopard in the background really doesn’t seem too interested in what is going on at the moment.
A good distance behind the zookeeper partially camouflaged by a tree lies a leopard who doesn`t seem to be paying attention to anything, at least not for a moment. Then all of a sudden, the leopard rises from his laying position and begins to watch the zookeeper who still has his back to the leopard. At the same time, the leopard has grabbed the attention of the Tiger.
A Warning?
The leopard makes a small circle and seems to hide behind the trunk of a tree.
The animal is eyeing something, but is it the Tiger who is in a combat position or is it the zookeeper who is oblivious as to what is going on behind him?
The Leopard Makes His Move
Within a flash the Leopard darts at an amazing speed towards the zookeeper.
The leopard gave no warning that he was targeting the zookeeper until he headed straight towards him.
The Tiger Responds
Just as the leopard became parallel with the Tiger, this beautiful animal immediately pounces on the leopard who is just as beautiful and majestic.
The tiger appeared to exert very little effort to halt the leopard in his tracks. However the leopard managed to escape from what appeared to be a light grip of the Tiger.
The Zookeeper Reacts
The leopard reaches the zookeeper who had just become aware of the scuffle taking place between the tiger and the lion.
Before the zookeeper had any time to make a move, the tiger dropped the leopard to the ground once again.
The Tiger Receives a Pat of Thanks
The zookeeper immediately recognized that the tiger had run interference for him and rewarded the tiger with a firm pat.
While just before this he chastised the leopard with a slap to the paw which seemed to defuse whatever thoughts the leopard had regarding the zookeeper.
The Controversy
Nah! This really wasn’t an attack, was it? Or did the leopard just want some loving too?
This video caught a good amount of attention and at the same time, created some controversy. Some believe that the Tiger really was looking out for the Zookeeper, while others didn’t.
So what do you think?
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