From the BBC:
Small cars driving through a safari park in Merseyside have been chased by confused lions who think they are prey.
Staff at Knowsley Safari Park are monitoring smaller vehicles, including Smart cars and Mini Coopers, after the lions started paying special interest.
David Ross, park manager, told the BBC News website that a group of lionesses chased after one Smart car after being confused by its compact appearance.
He said staff were stationed near the enclosure to keep visitors safe.
[ Confused lions ‘hunt’ small cars ] BBC
Thanks Charles
<p>lol :)</p>
<p>That’s funny!</p>
<p>Just another reason why we need an AWD Cooper–to make a clean getaway on dirt roads when visiting the drive-through safari park!</p>
<p>Are you sure this isn’t just smart marketing?</p>
<p>Excuse the pun.</p>
<p>Thats what I thought it was when I saw the headline.</p>
<p>Hope no one goes to a safari park in a zebra print MINI :P</p>
<p>There was a now-defunct safari park on this side of the pond that had the same experience, I understand, and the cars weren’t as small as today’s. They don’t have to wait for you to open the door, either – they’d prolly pry it open. I can see it now, a Smart upside down, wheels spinning, tango uniform.</p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>I configured mine, which I haven’t done in a while…$37,500. Ouch. That should help me stay immune to the order a newer mini disease. :)</p>
<p>You can’t hide your Lion eyes…especially in a MINI. Don’t get the tiger stripes graphic on your roof for reasons unprintable.</p>
<p>Great. If it’s not SUVs, it’s lions… The supercharger is a safety feature, let’s face it people.</p>
<p>you know, the scary part of this is, the lions could probably catch the Smart Car</p>
<p>From what I heard, Smart Cars are easy to knock over. Maybe the lions have already discovered the art of “Smart Tipping”!</p>
<p>That’s funny, my calendar says it’s mid-August, not the beginning of April…</p>
<p>Do you think the cops would pull you over for speeding when a lion is in hot pursuit!</p>