Is Karl Stefanovic's new joke about Taronga Zoo's escaped lions in poor taste?
- Replies 5
Karl Stefanovic, best known as the long-time host of the Australian morning show Today, is no stranger to causing controversy with his off-the-cuff remarks.
Remember this one during Queen Elizabeth’s funeral about Meghan Markle? Or this awkward comment aimed at his own co-host Allison Langdon?
Well, it seems he may have done it again with a recent joke about Taronga Zoo's five escaped lions.
The lions - one adult and four cubs - caused quite a stir when they managed to get out of their enclosure early morning of November 2, causing the zoo to go into lockdown mode until the animals were found and safely returned.
On Today’s November 3rd episode, Stefanovic was discussing the incident with National Party leader David Littleproud and broadcaster Jim Wilson when he joked about the lions’ fates at the hands of rich Mosman locals.
'Mosman is a pretty exclusive suburb,' Karl said.
‘It's lucky (the lions) didn't end up being a coat by midday. You know what I'm saying?'
His quip was met with audible off-screen laughter, shortly after which Jim continued the conversation.
The internet has since seen a plethora of jokes emerge since the incident such as ‘It’s code one because it rhymes with RUN.’
‘They’re not kidding when they say “Roar and Snore sleepover” is a ONCE in a lifetime experience…’
On Wednesday, zoo officials immediately put Taronga Zoo on lockdown when the five lions escaped.
Thankfully, despite the presence of other people, no injuries (or worse) were reported and the loose lions were captured within minutes of their breach.
Witnesses staying in the zoo’s overnight ‘Roar and Snore’ sleepover tents recalled being told to run by zoo staff before being escorted to a secure area.
‘Around about 20 minutes to 7, (the staff) came around screaming “Code One, Code One! You have to get out of your tents!”’ said zoo guest Magnus Perri, who was with his family when the lions escaped.
‘They told us to run in this little bathroom area. They locked us in, made sure that everyone was in there.’ he added.
Magnus said they were told by staff that there was ‘probably just a drill’ and not to worry.
Despite the experience, the family commended the Taronga Zoo staff for their actions.
Magnus’ wife Dominique said: ‘They were very professional, they knew what they were doing, obviously.’
Zoo Executive Director Simon Duffy said that the lions went into a small area beside their exhibit, which was surrounded by a six-foot fence.
Four of the lions ‘calmly made their way back’ to their enclosure once they were found by zoo staff. One had to be shot with a tranquilliser.
The incident will be investigated further.
Taronga Zoo is operated by a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to animal conservation efforts.
So, what’s your reaction to Karl’s joke? Was it something you’d laugh at, or do you think it’s too soon?
Tell us your thoughts and reactions below!
Source: YouTube/TODAY
Remember this one during Queen Elizabeth’s funeral about Meghan Markle? Or this awkward comment aimed at his own co-host Allison Langdon?
Well, it seems he may have done it again with a recent joke about Taronga Zoo's five escaped lions.
The lions - one adult and four cubs - caused quite a stir when they managed to get out of their enclosure early morning of November 2, causing the zoo to go into lockdown mode until the animals were found and safely returned.
On Today’s November 3rd episode, Stefanovic was discussing the incident with National Party leader David Littleproud and broadcaster Jim Wilson when he joked about the lions’ fates at the hands of rich Mosman locals.
'Mosman is a pretty exclusive suburb,' Karl said.
‘It's lucky (the lions) didn't end up being a coat by midday. You know what I'm saying?'
Four cubs were among the escaped lions at Taronga Zoo. Credit: Taronga Zoo
His quip was met with audible off-screen laughter, shortly after which Jim continued the conversation.
The internet has since seen a plethora of jokes emerge since the incident such as ‘It’s code one because it rhymes with RUN.’
‘They’re not kidding when they say “Roar and Snore sleepover” is a ONCE in a lifetime experience…’
On Wednesday, zoo officials immediately put Taronga Zoo on lockdown when the five lions escaped.
Thankfully, despite the presence of other people, no injuries (or worse) were reported and the loose lions were captured within minutes of their breach.
Witnesses staying in the zoo’s overnight ‘Roar and Snore’ sleepover tents recalled being told to run by zoo staff before being escorted to a secure area.
‘Around about 20 minutes to 7, (the staff) came around screaming “Code One, Code One! You have to get out of your tents!”’ said zoo guest Magnus Perri, who was with his family when the lions escaped.
‘They told us to run in this little bathroom area. They locked us in, made sure that everyone was in there.’ he added.
Magnus said they were told by staff that there was ‘probably just a drill’ and not to worry.
Despite the experience, the family commended the Taronga Zoo staff for their actions.
Magnus’ wife Dominique said: ‘They were very professional, they knew what they were doing, obviously.’
Four of the lions ‘calmly made their way back’ to their enclosure once they were found by zoo staff. One had to be shot with a tranquilliser.
The incident will be investigated further.
Taronga Zoo is operated by a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to animal conservation efforts.
So, what’s your reaction to Karl’s joke? Was it something you’d laugh at, or do you think it’s too soon?
Tell us your thoughts and reactions below!
Source: YouTube/TODAY
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