"Don't Run": Woman's Playful Moment With Lion Turns Hilarious After Thunderous Roar, SA Jokes

• A woman's playful interaction with a lion at an animal sanctuary took an unexpected turn when the lion suddenly let out a thunderous roar
• The lady's reaction, going from shock to laughter, has entertained social media users, who are enjoying the humorous moment
• The viral video has sparked a mix of jokes and cautionary comments, reminding people to treat wild animals with respect and caution, even in sanctuaries

A woman got more than she bargained for during a light-hearted moment with a lion at an animal sanctuary, and the unexpected reaction has left social media users both shocked and amused.

Woman gets unexpected reaction from lion

In a video that has since gone viral, the woman is seen sitting casually on a wooden bench right next to a lion enclosure. The lion, appearing relaxed, was lying on the floor on the other side of the fence. In an apparent moment of playfulness, the woman began speaking to the big cat as if engaging in a conversation.

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At first, the lion seemed unfazed by her teasing, showing no signs of agitation. However, just as the woman leaned forward to speak again, the lion suddenly let out a deep, thunderous roar. The unexpected sound visibly startled her, and she immediately got up to her feet in shock. Moments later, she burst into laughter, clearly amused by the incident.

The clip that was shared by Facebook user Winmore Manyasha on 26 July 2025 quickly went viral on social media, and netizens couldn't get enough of the interaction, with many commenting on the lion's timing and the woman's brave yet humorous reaction. Some joked that the lion was tired of the small talk, while others praised the woman for not panicking.

Despite the light-hearted outcome, the public needs to know that wild animals, even in sanctuaries, must be treated with caution and respect.

Watch the video below:

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Netizens are entertained by the lion's antics

Social media users burst into laughter over the woman and lion's antics as they flooded the comments section with jokes, while some expressed their thoughts.

Charlie Dlamini said:

"That's a lion with a sense of humour."

Ndumiso Lushaba added:

"This is a clear demonstration of how fast cats can be."

Williams Wuraola wrote:

"And the lion was enjoying her gist at first, oh."

Tokunbo Ogunani commented:

"Why are you disturbing the lion? He was trying to take a nap."

Rhonda Jones shared:

"She didn't even rate a half roar."

Corey Sampson commented:

"Yeah, it's funny until she breaks out and turns you into a snack, then she's a bad kitty."

Miriam Machewo Mphande replied:

"Don't run, don't run."

Paula DeMonte said:

"Keep that up, if he's hungry enough, he can go through that fence for his lunch!"

Proper behaviour around wildlife in SA sanctuaries

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When visiting an animal sanctuary in South Africa, it is important to interact with the animals in a way that respects their space and supports their well-being. According to the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), true sanctuaries do not allow activities like petting big cats, riding elephants, or any interactions that could stress or harm the animals. Instead, visitors are encouraged to quietly observe, follow staff instructions, and avoid touching or feeding animals unless it's part of a supervised session. Keeping your distance, speaking softly, and avoiding sudden movements can help keep the animals calm, especially those recovering from trauma or injury. Ethical sanctuaries also avoid breeding for captivity or trading animals. They focus on rehabilitation and education.

More strikes on lion by Briefly News

• A dramatic and heart-stopping moment between a man and a lion's wild encounter went viral on social media.
• A video showing a woman inside a lion’s den has gone viral, leaving many online users stunned by her composure around the wild animals.
• A lion became a viral hit on TikTok for being a picky eater. The predator was on the prowl, and it had a run-in with a man who was completely unaware of its presence.

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Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News, contributed to this article.

Source: Briefly News