The lion had been locked in a staring contest with the youngster but when the two-year-old looked away the big cat pounced
This is the astonishing moment a lion pounced at a young child – but was stopped only by the glass separating him from the outside world.
The big cat slammed head first into the enclosure's screen after lunging at the two-year-old seconds after the youngster turned his back.
The lion, which can run at speeds of up to 50mph, had been locked in a staring contest with the visitor at a zoo in Japan.
He prowled down from a rock and into prime position directly across from the child.
When the youngster, wearing a bright yellow jacket, looked away the big cat took the opportunity to spring forward before slamming full-force into the enclosure wall.
The child can then be seen turning around and jumping back in fear at the sudden sight of the enormous lion, which weighs 181kg.