The Off Topic Topic

[Maladict]

French family at a Dutch safari-style zoo think it's a great idea to get out of their car and have a picknick among the cheetahs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMCpf9TQlyg

[Tonitrus]

The Dutch seem to be looser on zoo/animal park rules than any American place would ever be able to get away with liability-wise.  I know many years ago visiting Holland, we went to a primate zoo where most of the monkeys/primates were able to walk/climb all over the patrons...but nothing larger than say, large domestic cat size (e.g. the gorillas were kept separate).

We have safari parks where the bison/herbivores might be able to reach the cars...but large cats/predators?  I doubt any place would risk that potential lawsuit (if it were even allowed in the first place).

[Maladict]

The Dutch seem to be looser on zoo/animal park rules than any American place would ever be able to get away with liability-wise.  I know many years ago visiting Holland, we went to a primate zoo where most of the monkeys/primates were able to walk/climb all over the patrons...but nothing larger than say, large domestic cat size (e.g. the gorillas were kept separate).

We have safari parks where the bison/herbivores might be able to reach the cars...but large cats/predators?  I doubt any place would risk that potential lawsuit (if it were even allowed in the first place).

The monkey park is fun, got bitten once though. I think the monkeys are discouraged from 'interacting' with humans these days, but they'll still steal all of your stuff 

This safari park has stated they're not putting up signs in French alongside the Dutch and English signs, because that would imply the existing signs were unclear.

[grumbler]

The monkey park is fun, got bitten once though.

OMG.  King Alexander of Greece is writing from the grave!

[Ed Anger]

I think I got a touch of the Spring Flu. Bastard had me down for two days.

I diagnosed myself.

[Maladict]

The monkey park is fun, got bitten once though.

OMG.  King Alexander of Greece is writing from the grave!

Heh, I was the exact same age. It's one way to join the 27 Club I suppose.

[alfred russel]

We have safari parks where the bison/herbivores might be able to reach the cars...but large cats/predators?  I doubt any place would risk that potential lawsuit (if it were even allowed in the first place).

That is only because we have allowed too many idiotic lawsuits to go forward. Really a warning sign should just be a courtesy--no one should need a sign to know that getting out of your car with large predators outside is phenomenally stupid.

That said, I think the odds were strongly on the human side here...I'm sure the cheetahs are well fed, and humans are a big animal for them to try to take down (the kid not as much, but at least the mother stayed with the kid).

[Maladict]

We have safari parks where the bison/herbivores might be able to reach the cars...but large cats/predators?  I doubt any place would risk that potential lawsuit (if it were even allowed in the first place).

That is only because we have allowed too many idiotic lawsuits to go forward. Really a warning sign should just be a courtesy--no one should need a sign to know that getting out of your car with large predators outside is phenomenally stupid.

That said, I think the odds were strongly on the human side here...I'm sure the cheetahs are well fed, and humans are a big animal for them to try to take down (the kid not as much, but at least the mother stayed with the kid).

They are well fed, but they probably would have gone for the kid if there was an opportunity. It happened a couple of years ago, the child was lucky to survive.
If the family had had their picknick among lions or tigers it could have ended much worse.

[Grey Fox]

We have safari parks where the bison/herbivores might be able to reach the cars...but large cats/predators?  I doubt any place would risk that potential lawsuit (if it were even allowed in the first place).

That is only because we have allowed too many idiotic lawsuits to go forward. Really a warning sign should just be a courtesy--no one should need a sign to know that getting out of your car with large predators outside is phenomenally stupid.

That said, I think the odds were strongly on the human side here...I'm sure the cheetahs are well fed, and humans are a big animal for them to try to take down (the kid not as much, but at least the mother stayed with the kid).

They are well fed, but they probably would have gone for the kid if there was an opportunity. It happened a couple of years ago, the child was lucky to survive.
If the family had had their picknick among lions or tigers it could have ended much worse.

You can see, in the video, that exact process taking place. First placid interest followed by active interest; decision that the young child is target; active attack; retreat when child is in arms of Adults.

It's almost beautiful.

[Tamas]

We have safari parks where the bison/herbivores might be able to reach the cars...but large cats/predators?  I doubt any place would risk that potential lawsuit (if it were even allowed in the first place).

That is only because we have allowed too many idiotic lawsuits to go forward. Really a warning sign should just be a courtesy--no one should need a sign to know that getting out of your car with large predators outside is phenomenally stupid.

That said, I think the odds were strongly on the human side here...I'm sure the cheetahs are well fed, and humans are a big animal for them to try to take down (the kid not as much, but at least the mother stayed with the kid).

They are well fed, but they probably would have gone for the kid if there was an opportunity. It happened a couple of years ago, the child was lucky to survive.
If the family had had their picknick among lions or tigers it could have ended much worse.

You can see, in the video, that exact process taking place. First placid interest followed by active interest; decision that the young child is target; active attack; retreat when child is in arms of Adults.

It's almost beautiful.

The (supposed) father is a major coward though: sealing himself in the car while mother and kid is surrounded by the animals.

And just how big a moron you have to be to try and have a picnic in a park like that?!

[Grey Fox]

Bill Cosby size moron.

I'm glad the Zoo didn't have to murder a bunch of it's Cheetahs because French nationals are dumb.

[Valmy]

I knew eventually this would go in an outrageous anti-French direction

[Malthus]

I knew eventually this would go in an outrageous anti-French direction

Those Quebec posters simply can't restrain their anti-French bias. 

[grumbler]

I knew eventually this would go in an outrageous anti-French direction

Those Quebec posters simply can't restrain their anti-French bias. 

It's the language - makes 'em "dumb."

[alfred russel]

You can see, in the video, that exact process taking place. First placid interest followed by active interest; decision that the young child is target; active attack; retreat when child is in arms of Adults.

It's almost beautiful.

Also, the evolutionary process.

The thing about humans is they are super weak...cheetahs don't know that though, and if they figure it out, they have to be put down.