Laughter rings out as big cats in a South African safari park rip off their front bumpers after entering the rearview mirror

A group of tourists got the surprise of their life when their car bumper was ripped clean off by a playful lion while they were driving through a South African park – and it was all caught on camera.

The incredible video, shot at the Johannesburg Lion Park, begins with a large curious cat fitting the Volkswagen Golf’s entire wing mirror in its mouth to the amazement of the onlookers.

As the majority of the passengers excitedly react and take pictures, one female in the car starts to panic.

Open wide: The incredible video begins with a large curious cat, at the Johannesburg Lion Park, fitting the Volkswagen Golf1’s entire wing mirror in its mouth to the amazement of the onlookers

I’ll take that: An inquisitive lion grabs the front bumper as the car begins to back away from the pride

Stolen goods: The lions quickly go over to inspect their shiny new metal toy on the grass

‘You must go now, drive fast,’ the woman can be heard insisting, but the driver is unable to move due to another lion in the path ahead.

Evoking both laughter and horror, one of the lions follows the car as it attempts to reverse away from the pride.

In one powerful movement, the golden beast rips off the bumper.

‘You aren’t getting that back,’ one passenger jokes, as the car pulls away with its occupants erupting into fits of giggles.

The curious cat gazes into the car, with the passengers both amused and horrified as it licks its lips

Tasty snack: The inquisitive lion chews on the side view mirror of the driver’s side

Back off: Evoking both laughter and horror, one of the lions follows the car as it attempts to reverse away from the pack

‘Let’s go, let’s go!’ a passenger cries as the pride hurry over to inspect their new stolen metal toy.

The clip was uploaded to YouTube by Thaveshan Moodley, who explained in the video caption that his brother captured the escapade from the back seat, as Moodley was driving.

According to Moodley, his brother did not realise he was also recording his amused reaction as well as the lions.

Play time: As the passengers can be heard asking to quickly drive off, the rest of the pride inspect their newly acquired car part

The clip was uploaded to YouTube by Thaveshan Moodley, who explained in the video caption that his brother captured the escapade from the back seat, as Moodley was driving

Although these tourists managed to drive safely away, there have been incidents nearby that ended more tragically.

An American tourist last year was mauled to death by a lion, and took pictures of the cat who killed her just seconds before she pounced.

The woman was taking pictures from the vehicle up until moment the lioness launched herself through the open window, said park officials at Gauteng safari park in South Africa.

Traumatised tourists watched as the nine-year-old lioness killed the holidaymaker, 22, through an open window.