Welsh rugby player Scott Baldwin has been filmed having his hand bitten after stroking a lion.
The hooker was at a South African game park during a trip with his club team Ospreys, prior to their Pro14 match against the Cheetahs.
While there he and a few teammates petted lions 'like kittens', which you have to admit sounds like a ridiculous idea.
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As Baldwin patted one's head, just about ready to ask if it wanted some cat nip and a pouch of Whiskas, the feline quickly chomped down on his hand.
Credit: Andy Goode via Twitter
Baldwin has been put out of action by the bite, with boss Steve Tandy placing no blame on the lion.
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"There was an incident with a lion, but in fairness it was nothing to do with the lion," he said.
The hooker took to Twitter to apologise to fans for missing the game, writing: "Sorry all Ospreys fans for letting you and the team down by missing the game through the bite.
"On the mend thankfully and should be up and running round soon enough thanks for your support & concern."
He made a joke, claiming that the lion bit him because he stroked his lioness 'before introducing myself to him first', but Tandy doesn't see the humour in the situation.
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"It was pretty stupid on Scott's behalf and he is pretty lucky," he told BBC. "It had nothing to do with where we were.
"It was a good environment and we were told how far back to stand.
"I don't know what sort of wildlife show Scott has been watching where you can pat a lion on the head as if it's a kitten.
"It's probably one of the silliest things I've even been involved in, but thankfully he is OK and hopefully he will be back up and running in the next couple of weeks."
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BBC reports that Baldwin is expected to make a swift recovery, having a few stitches before flying home to Wales.
Featured Image Credit: Andy Goode via TwitterTopics: Rugby, bite, Wales, Lion
