Staff member in a lion costume helps zoo practise for the event of an escape, as real lions appear unimpressed

For one terrifying moment it looks like the lion is about to get the upper hand against its human nemeses.

The animal faces down its would-be captors – armed with a net and long poles - and, without warning, knocks one of them to the ground with its powerful paws. “Are you alright?” another zookeeper asks the prone victim.

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