Huge eagle tries to fly away with boy at Australian wildlife show

A boy was attacked by an eagle at a wildlife show in Australia when the bird of prey attempted to fly off with the terrified spectator.

The wedge-tailed eagle was part of the birds of prey display at Alice Springs Desert Park.

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Visitor Christine O'Connell captured the moment the eagle latched onto the young boy's head instead of flying over him.

She shared the photo on Instagram and wrote: "At a nature park in Alice Springs we decided to go to a bird show the young boy in the green kept pulling his zipper up and down.

"For some reason the Wedge Tailed Eagle did not like it and instead of flying over to the log he is meant to for a photo opportunity he flew straight at the young boy and attacked him."

O'Connell added: "The show was quickly cancelled and the boy taken off to first aid. Those talons are huge he was a very lucky young boy."

Speaking to the BBC, she said the eagle flew straight for the boy from around 15 metres away.

Another visitor, Keenan Lucas, told NT News that the bird tried to pick him up like a "small animal".

"He screamed, the mother was distraught, and the presenters wrapped up the show very quickly," he said.

In a statement, the Alice Springs Desert Park said: "On Wednesday, July 6, an incident occurred at the Alice Springs Desert Park where an eagle made contact with an audience member.

"A thorough investigation regarding the circumstances behind this incident is under way and the eagle will be removed from the show while this investigation is ongoing."

The boy, who is believed to be six years old, suffered minor injuries.