Video

This Lion Tried to Hitch a Ride and Got a Surprise Cardio Session

By Abby Parks

Published February 11, 2026 Runtime 5:14

A surprisingly bold lion in South Africa decided to catch a ride on a passing 4×4 vehicle, climbing onto the spare tire mounted on the back. What he expected to be an easy lift quickly turned into an unexpected workout, as the lion was forced to jog along on his hind legs while clinging to the tire as the vehicle kept moving. It is unclear how long the big cat was unintentionally helping push the car forward, but footage shows it lasted at least a full minute before the driver finally stopped. Watch the incredible moment unfold in the video.

About the Author

Abby Parks

Abby Parks has authored a fiction novel, theatrical plays, short stories, poems, and song lyrics. She's recorded two albums of her original songs, and is a multi-instrumentalist. She has managed a website for folk music and written articles on singer-songwriters, folk bands, and other things music-oriented. She's also a radio DJ for a folk music show. As well as having been a pet parent to rabbits, birds, dogs, and cats, Abby loves seeking sightings of animals in the wild and has witnessed some more exotic ones such as Puffins in the Farne Islands, Southern Pudu on the island of Chiloe (Chile), Penguins in the wild, and countless wild animals in the Rocky Mountains (Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Moose, Elk, Marmots, Beavers).

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