Lion breaks through fence and charges screaming zookeeper

A ZOOKEEPER giving a demonstration about not showing fear has screamed for his life after a lion broke through a fence and charged him.

A ZOOKEEPER has screamed and leapt for his life after an adult lion he was referring to in a demonstration broke through a fence and charged him in front of visitors.

The incident was captured on video at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Arizona, US, and posted to LiveLeak.

The footage shows keeper Jeff Harwell warning the crowd not to show fear during a how to “play with lions” demonstration as he walks up to the big cat’s fenced off enclosure with a long pole.

“Now when you play with lions it’s important to never show fear,” Mr Harwell can be heard saying.

Moments later the lion ripped through a safety gate, roared and jumped towards Mr Harwell. Mr Harwell can then be heard screaming as he jumps away from another fence that remained between them.

Zookeeper Jeff Harwell charged by lion that broke through fence

Zookeeper Jeff Harwell charged by lion that broke through fence

The clip has been viewed more than 62,000 times.

The Out of Africa Wildlife Park is famous for allowing guests to “experience and meet” safari animals. Some viewers have claimed the incident was a gimmick.

One social media user wrote: “I’d say that it is a well rehearsed part of his daily tour for the visitors. What that long pole does is unlatch the gate, while he positions himself with his back to the Lion. Voila! A funny photo opp for the social media.”

Another wrote: “The lion is the better actor here.”

Others were convinced it was legitimate. “Yeah, they roar on cue. You don’t scream like a girl and jump that far if it’s scripted,” one person wrote.