No joke: Mum uses son as human shield from water splashed by sea lion

A day out at the zoo is never complete without catching an animal show.

While the creatures tend to take centre stage, this performance had a different main character. 

At a recent Splash Safari Show, a woman sitting in the first row wanted to keep dry so she held her son in front of her and used him as a 'shield' when sea lions splashed water on them.

Her efforts were in vain as both mother and child were drenched. 

The incident was recorded by a fellow audience member who posted the video on TikTok last Sunday (Jan 16).

[embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@boldlou/video/7053752163633286401?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id6944924152827184641[/embed]

While the sea lion's trick was meant to entertain the audience, many were more intrigued by the pair's reaction.

It appeared that they weren't aware that the audience would get a big, wet goodbye wave from a sea lion in the show. 

Netizens who watched the clip cracked jokes about what they saw.

Some likened the boy to a "pricey umbrella" while others pointed out how the pair was grabbing everyone's attention.

In July 2019, a Singapore Zoo visitor also got up-close and personal with wildlife.

She was on a stage holding a snake when a python greeted her from behind. Upon seeing the large reptile, the woman fell to the ground before she got up and ran off.

ALSO READ: Singapore-born panda cub name is Le Le - and it has an unexpected meaning to it

amierul@asiaone.com