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Demovictory9

(32,455 posts) Wed Aug 21, 2019, 08:13 PM Aug 2019

Safari lodge owner known as 'Lion Man' mauled to death by captive big cats

https://nypost.com/2019/08/21/safari-lodge-owner-known-as-lion-man-mauled-to-death-by-captive-big-cats/

A South African safari lodge owner known as “The Lion Man” was mauled to death by the big cats on his game reserve.

Leon van Biljon, 70, was killed by his own captive lions Tuesday at Mahala View Lion Lodge in Cullinan as he attempted to fix a broken fence, the Times of the UK reported.

The three lions that attacked the lodge owner were reportedly shot dead so medics could attempt to save him.

“The neighbors from the nearby lodges responded and tried to help the victim but unfortunately the victim succumbed to injuries. The animals have been put down,” Cullinan Police spokeswoman Connie Moganedi told CNN.

His death was confirmed by the Mahala View Lodge in a Facebook post.

“Great loss for everyone,” the lodge said. “R.I.P. Uncle Leon.”

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A source at the lodge said: ‘Leon went in to fix the fence but knows the lions well and turned his back as he was fixing the fence and one came from behind and took his neck. ‘You never turn your back on a lion. ‘Leon is not as young and fit as he was and perhaps the lion saw the weakness in him as an old man. ‘You have to remember that however your friendship is with lions there is wildness in them. ‘They are predators and they never lose their natural instinct. Even the quietest house cat will kill given the chance. ‘A member of staff saw what happened and said there was nothing anyone could have done to save him’.

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/08/21/10605420-10605420/?ito=cbshare