Malaysian actress Datin Seri Umie Aida has been a notable figure in the local entertainment industry for years, most recently having spoken in defence of stray animals against harm and cruelty.
Nevertheless, Umie’s latest endeavour has been turning heads online after she made a recent trip to a wildlife park Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Referred to formally as the Al Buqaish Private Zoo, Umie documented her visit to the location while mingling with some of the most intimidating animals known to mankind.
Sharing it to her Instagram account @umieaida9, Umie captured herself interacting with large birds, an adult tiger, and a tiger cub. In the video, Umie gently stroked the adult tiger as it was distracted drinking water.
One of the most daunting parts of her visit, however, was when she was in a room with a cheetah. Casually looking around the room, the cheetah warms up to Umie, rubbing itself on her before lying besides the actress, who was sitting on a sofa.
Eventually, Umie even stroked the big cat’s neck, bonding with the animal. The cheetah also reciprocates the actress’ gesture by licking her hand.
In the caption of her post, Umie revealed that it cost her AED12,000 (approximately RM15,240) to enter the premises of the zoom.
Receiving immense praise for mingling with what many would consider dangerous animals, multiple Malaysians were in awe over Umie’s bravery throughout the clip, including Malaysian actress Zahida Ravik.
“It’s so amazing that you got to rub a cheetah. My dream!” wrote one user. Casually responding to this user, Umie was candid about the best parts of her visit being shown in the reel.
However, another user also mentioned how nervous she was throughout the clip, saying that her heart was making loud beats as she watched Umie.
Watch the full Instagram Reel below:
In a comment made under the video, Umie stated that while she was glad to have done this, it will likely be her first and last time choosing to encounter these kinds of animals.
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