STUNNED visitors to West Midland Safari Park were left shaken after a pride of charging lions jumped on top of their vehicle yesterday. 

Abi Tudge, 23, and friend Jaz Reynolds, 28, became shut in the lion enclosure after rangers closed the gates for safety while they dealt with "agitated" and "aggravated" lions.

The pair, who had two children with them, were trapped for around 50 minutes before the pack suddenly raced towards them and leapt on top of their Hyundai i-30.

Abi, of Hereford, said they were left feeling shaken and feared the car's windows could have been smashed by the animals.

She added: "We were so shaken up and trying to make sure the children were OK.”

Kidderminster Shuttle:

(ABOVE: The incident was captured on film)

The heart-stopping moment, which took place on Wednesday, February 21, was captured on footage by Jaz.

She said: "It was the last thing you'd expect to happen.

"We could see as we got into the enclosure that the lions were making a lot of noise, and that a few of them were wrestling with one another.

"They were dashing around after one another - I think there was a female that they were trying to chase.

"The employees weren't able to open the gates to let us out because of the disturbance.

"Then, out of nowhere, a load of them darted towards my car and started jumping all over it.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

(ABOVE: A still of the footage captured on camera)

"It was a real shock, but I knew that I couldn't scream because it would upset the children.

"I think they were just running from one place to the other, and my car happened to be an obstacle in their way, so they hurtled over it.

"One of them went up on the bonnet, and another one managed to jump on the roof. They really got up close and personal.

"Eventually the gates opened so that we could get out, and we just carried on our day as normal.

"I think that the staff were amazing, I have to commend them for what they did. Their presence made us feel safe as it happened.”

A spokesman for the safari park said the exit gate of the lion enclosure was closed as a precautionary measure due to the animals being in close proximity to the gate.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

(ABOVE: A lion paw print left on the car)

They added: “As with all wild animals, normally harmonious groups can on occasion become particularly active.

“This is constantly monitored closely by trained staff who are always in the enclosure when guests are too and will intervene if necessary.

“There was an experienced member of staff within the enclosure and at no time were guests in any danger.

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests is paramount and our Guest Relations Teams are dealing with this enquiry.”