Teenage British student attacked by lion - but survives by staying silent

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Teenage British student attacked by lion - but survives by staying silent

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 11:41 AM on 18th July 2008

A British student has described how staying silent saved her life after she was attacked by a lion in New Zealand.

The 19-year-old was bitten on the hand but resisted the urge to scream as the slightest sound could have woken the rest of the pack.

Instead, she gently tapped the lion's nose to release herself from its' grip as five other lions slept in the safari park enclosure.

Lisa Baxter was lucky to be alive after a lion attacker her
at a safari park in New Zealand

Baxter, studying animal biology, was giving a talk to a group of tourists when the lion sank its teeth into her hand.

Despite a blood-gushing wound, the Scottish gap year student, from East Lothian, remained silent until a colleague noticed and she was rushed to hospital.

Baxter said: "I was stroking Timba's nose when he just grabbed my hand.

"His teeth were razor-sharp and went straight through my skin.

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Recovering: The gap year student underwent emergency surgery, receiving 13 stitches

"I knew not to panic, so tapped his nose to get him to back off, but he bit that hand as well.

"Luckily, the second time his teeth didn't stay in my hand for too long."

After emergency surgery and 13 stitches, Baxter was kept in hospital and received continuous antibiotic treatment for four days.

Although she will be scarred for life, the ordeal has not put her off working with animals in the future.

Scarred for life: Despite the injury, Lisa insists she will carry on her work with animals

She said: "My hands were so swollen, I thought they were going to explode."

"I know Timba was only playing and totally blame myself for what happened.

"I really don't think he was trying to rip me apart or be violent at all. If anything, he thought we were playing because he's only 18 months old.

"But even at that age lions are still huge and I felt like screaming. If I had, I'm sure all the other lions would have come over.

"Animals are my passion. I'd happily meet Timba again."


British student attacked by lion saved by staying silent | Mail Online