The aunt of the Christchurch teenage boy who was mauled by a cheetah while on holiday in South Africa says his father was a "hero" for saving him from the enraged animal.
Isaac Driver, 14, was with a tour group who were allowed to pat two cheetahs. However he was then attacked by one of the animals.
The attack happened on Wednesday morning (local time).
The boy's mother, Mandy Driver, told RNZ that one of the cheetahs walked towards her son and pushed him down with "full force".
Ms Driver said it was "as though it was eating him". Her husband then pulled the cheetah off and held it to the ground.
The boy's aunt told RadioLIVE that her brother-in-law moved incredibly fast.
"My mum said he was a hero - a real hero. I think Mandy was pretty impressed, she said he was really fast, it was like slow-motion but he was there so quick as soon as it happened," she said.
She said the family have continued on their trip.
"His mom said he's being absolutely brave, not even one tear," she said.
"He had his sister there to make light of it."
Mr Driver has injuries to his back and shoulder, but Ms Driver says he is okay and just wants to return home.
Newshub.
