Helpful advice
According to my desk top calendar, there is an 8 step strategy to adopt if trapped in a lion cage:

1. Do not run
Presumably because this will startle the lions, and they can run faster than you)

2. Watch for signs of an attack (e.g. low growl, eye contact and a lashing tail)
Well duh.

3. Find a defensive tool (move slowly, pick up anything within reach e.g. water bowl, bench, anything else)
Ah, the trusty bench - man's greatest weapon in the fight against beast.

4. Back away slowly
See: do not run.

5. Watch for mock charges ( a lion may make several mock charges before attacking - mock charging shows a real attack is imminent)
This is when the lion will presumably feint, before stopping, and saying "had you going" or growls to that effect.

6. Yell (as loudly as possible, lions are sensitive to noise and yelling may discourage them)
If you aren't doing so already, now would be a good time to let people know you are in deep trouble - it may persuade the lion to bugger off for some peace and quiet (conversely I suspect it may prompt the lion to kill you quickly, to shut you up).

7. Fend off attack (push it's paws and head away from you with a nearby object)
Better than capitulation - try and avoid claws and teeth (helpful stuff).

8. Keep screaming as loudly as possible
I suspect that when attacked by a lion, this is a natural response.

Helpful advice, I'm sure you agree.
- posted by Paul @ 3:13 pm