'Playful Big Cat': Lion Plays 'Tug Of War' With A Jeep Full Of Tourists In Viral Video

A video is going viral on social media showing a hilarious moment a massive African lion playing 'tug of war' with a tour guide.

The comical incident took place in Baobab Ridge Game Lodge, South Africa, on November 18, New York Post reported.

¡°It was like a big cat playing with a toy,¡± tour guide Jabulani Salinda, told Kennedy News and Media,

Salinda had reportedly been alerted by a colleague that lions were roaming in the area. However, when he tried to manoeuvre his vehicle to get a better look, it became stuck in the ground and had to be freed with a tow rope.

Unfortunately, their rescue attempt didn't go to plan as the male lion grabbed onto the tow rope before Salinda could pull it back in.

Screengrab/YouTube

"Before I could pull the rope back in, it caught the eye of the lion,¡± described the wildlife guide. ¡°He wandered over and grabbed the end of it.¡±

At one stage, the stubborn lion even tries wrapping the rope around a tree to win the battle.

As the truck begins to move, the lion staggers slightly as it refuses to let go even though it is being pulled forward.

Baobab Ridge/Kennedy News and Media

"I've been a tour guide for 19 years and I have never known a lion play like this before. My guests were a bit concerned that the lion's interest in the rope would bring him up closer to the jeep, but he wasn't approaching with anger," Salinda added.

Salinda said the tug-of-war finally ended after a group of lionesses strolled past, prompting the lion to release his newfound chew toy and join them, New York Post reported.

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