Absolute madness, fancy trying to give a lioness a tickle. And this guy is a local hunting guide !

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2012/03/02/291821_ntnews.html

A MAN has been rushed to hospital after being attacked by a lioness after attempting to give her a friendly scratch behind the ear.

42-year-old Peter Davidson, the owner of Hunt Arnhem Land, has had muscle torn from the bone of his arm and may have to undergo surgery after the attack which happened at Darwin's Crocodylus Park.

A source close to Mr Davidson said he told them he was giving lioness Shebe a scratch behind the ear.

She turned on him and held on until he poked her in the eye to make her let go.

Mr Davidson is expected to undergo surgery this afternoon. Shebe, 9, has been at the park since last July.

Crocodylus Park is a popular tourist attraction showcasing crocodiles but also is home to other animals.