“I Would’ve Died Immediately”: Man’s Priceless Reaction to Lion’s Hug Sparks Mixed Reactions

• A viral TikTok video shows a young man unexpectedly hugged by a lion from behind, sparking a mix of fear and amusement
• The lion's playful antics, including tugging at the gent's hat, added a lighthearted tone to the tense encounter
• The footage has sparked a range of reactions from online users, including praise for the man's calm demeanour and humorous comments about how they would have reacted in the same situation

A stunning and hilarious video has taken over social media, capturing the moment a young man was unexpectedly hugged by a lion from behind.

In the clip, the man can be seen sitting calmly on a rock, seemingly unaware that the massive predator was approaching. Within seconds, the big cat wrapped its paws around him from the back, startling the gent who goes by the TikTok handle @followflores and leaving viewers on edge.

His fear quickly turned into nervous laughter when the lion began tugging at his hat with its teeth, playfully trying to remove it.

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As the scene unfolded, the king of the jungle sniffed around @followflores, sparking both amusement and anxiety from those watching the video. A guide, who appeared familiar with the animal’s behaviour, reached out and gently touched the lion, reassuring it and seemingly calming the tense situation.

The location of the incident is unclear, but despite the lighthearted tone of the encounter, @followflores’s expression revealed a mix of fear and disbelief. Although laughing throughout, his cautious demeanour reflected his awareness of the lion's unpredictable movements.

To end the clip, he flashed a peace sign to the camera, leaving viewers amused by his attempt to appear composed after such a nerve-racking experience.

The video, posted by @followflores on 23 July 2025, has captured significant attention, with many South Africans commenting on the unusual but touching interaction between @followflores and the beast. Some praised @followflores for keeping calm, while others admitted they would not have handled the situation as gracefully.

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The playful lion brought smiles to many and has become a memorable reminder of the close and sometimes comical bond between humans and wildlife.

TikTokkers react to man and lion antics

The online community took to the comments section to crack jokes while some expressed their thoughts, saying:

Dikachiee wrote:

"Yo are you tired of living?"

Moth Sir Bran said:

"That’s how you stay alive in a toxic relationship."

Blackberry added:

"I would be crying."

Sugar&Spice EverythingNice asked:

"How were you not afraid? When’s your birthday?"

Tsheno Motlhankana expressed:

"I’m not happy with your survival reflex, cause why are you so chilled after a lion jumps on you from the back?"

Nicky • So Nicky stated:

"I would’ve died immediately."

Bridgette|Lifestyle Creator commented:

"And you’re still sitting there."

Watch the video below:

3 Briefly News animal articles

• A stunning video of a woman calmly interacting with lions in their den has gone viral and left many online users in awe.
• One South African game reserve staff member bravely fed a lion from a bakkie, showcasing a unique encounter.
• A wild hippo was seen roaming the streets of St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal, sparking surprise among residents.

Source: Briefly News