With a big fatty hump, large dewlap, and drooping ears, the zebu doesn't look like the type of cattle you'd want to wrestle. However, men in Madagascar will dangerously dance with them all day, if it means attracting a mate.

The sport of savika resembles a rodeo where men of the Betsilio ethnic group try to hang on to a zebu's hump for as long as possible. The animal is teased beforehand so it's not happy. Men often get trampled or stabbed by the sharp horns. Those who manage to stay on the longest win the respect of the community and the heart of any lady he'd like.

This ancient ritual has been around for ages and has become so popular that it's a common practice at weddings and baptisms.

"Savika expresses the desire of love between the human and the zebu. Their contact regarded as a fight has the same meaning as the linkage between two individuals who become of the same mind with each other," explains a trainer.

While women are welcome to participate in this pastime, it's mostly practiced by young boys. Check out this video!

Source: Oddity Central, Photo: Lonely Planet

Tags: madagascar, savika, bull wrestling, rodeos, zebu
Categories: What in the world?