The video of a lion attacking its trainer has hit the internet giving raise to questions on security at the MGM Resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lion attack video hits internet, MGM on defensive
Thursday, September 9, 2010, 14:35 [IST]


Las Vegas, Sep 9: The video of a lion attacking its trainer has hit the internet giving raise to questions on security at the MGM Resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The video shot last week shows two trainers along with a lion and a lioness inside the habitat at MGM Grand. The lion, which is initially seen calm as it yawns, suddenly pounces on one of its trainers prompting horrified gasps from onlookers at the major attraction.

The video has now gone viral on YouTube and has gained immense popularity through the internet and the international media.

With this kind of bad publicity reaching people, MGM quickly jumped into damage control to assert and defend its safety practices.

The trainer was treated and released from the hospital after the incident earlier this month, MGM Resorts spokesman Gordon Absher said in a statement Wednesday, Sep 8.

Defending the lion habitat and safety practices, Absher said the handlers "uphold the highest safety standards at all times."

"Incidents where animal handlers are bitten are very rare," Absher claimed.

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