also

http://www.7delaan.co.za/ViewNews.asp?ID=124

The stupidest South African Soap-Opera has the stupidest actors in (real life stoopid people)!

The actress Elma Postma (yes, she is blonde) tried to pet a lion, but got her right index finger almost severed by said lion.

"It was definitely the most frightening experience in my life. I'm thankful to still have a hand," said Elma outside the hospital. "One doesn't get up in the morning and expect to be bitten by a lion during the day." (yes, but then again, one doesn't expect lions to act like take little kittens either)

Submitted on 03/02/2006

Submitted by: Marcelle Labuschagne
Reference: Beeld (SA Newspaper)

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
Yep, I'll buy this one. Why is it that a certain demographic among us seems to think that lions (even "tame" ones) are overgrown kitty-cats? If you hurt a kitten while trying to pet it, it might scratch or even bite. No biggie, it is kitten-sized. A lion will do the same, only it is BIGGER than a human. Bigger claws, bigger teeth. She should have done the math! Thanks, Marcelle!

Jorge said:
Neutral: Personal Account

Sheryl said:
Neutral: Not Amusing
Blonde or not, this just doesn't do it for me. Thanks for the story and the links, Marcelle.

Charles said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
While I do agree with James, I have to mention that this sort of thing happens far too often. In this case one would assume she has a coterie of flunkies who would be warning her off, which might make it more exceptionally stupid...

Greg said:
Definitely Toss: Other
I don't think she's getting a fair rap here. The lion was "tame". While that may be a contradiction in terms, it's like someone saying "oh yer, that dogs fine" ... then you stroke it and it bites you. Not your fault. I personally wouldn't stroke a tame lion, but I understand why she felt safe and it was a freak accident with the ring that freaked the lion out. Thanks anyway. :-)

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