A male lion was brutally attacked by a gang of lionesses because of a dispute over food, claim zoo officals.

The lion called Jilani was given pain relief for his injuries and is now "resting with his brothers, away from the females" after the savagery, which is said to be common in the wild.

Dramatic footage captured the lionesses pouncing on the male and sinking their teeth into his body at West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley, Worcestershire, on Wednesday,reports Birmingham Live.
Shocked visitors saw the male roaring in agony as up to nine females attacked.

West Midlands Safari Park has now issued a statement. It said that the lionesses ganged up on Jilani after a 'dispute over food'.

The post said: “A dispute happened between Jilani and a female lion over some meat."Jilani and his two brothers usually stick together and are able to keep the lionesses in order, but on this occasion the other females became involved first.

"Our experienced keepers were immediately on the scene and split up the fight.

“Jilani has been checked over by our vet and apart from being a bit stiff and sore, he has not sustained any serious injuries and has been given some pain relief.

"He is now resting with his brothers away from the females, but will rejoin the pride this weekend.
“The males were introduced slowly to the females last year, so the pride is still settling in under the watchful eyes of our carnivore keepers.

"Lions are very tough animals and disputes similar to this are very common in the wild."
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