MEIGNORANT

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the Ussuri reserve in Siberia on August 31, 2008 to observe researchers monitoring tigers in the wild. Scientists demonstrated a new satellite tracking collar fitted with GPS-Argos receiver and a tranquilizer gun to the Prime Minister. Then they took him to the taiga forest where a rare 5 year-old female Amur tiger was trapped.

© AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Alexey Druzhinin

The journalists of Russian news agency "Vesti" were waiting for Putin's arrival not far from where the tiger was trapped and found themselves in immediate danger, when the animal managed to get lose from the trap. Unbelievably, it was Putin who saved them from being mauled. He quickly shot and sedated the beast with the new tranquillizer gun.

© AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Alexey Druzhinin

"Vladimir Putin not only managed to see the giant predator up close, but also saved our television crew," - the news channel announced at the start of the main evening news. Putin helped measure the Amur tiger's incisors before placing a satellite transmitter around the neck of the animal, which can weigh up to 450 kg. The journalists also mentioned that Putin actually kissed the tiger "Good bye".

© AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Alexey Druzhinin

Translated from Russian: Kiss of the Prime Minister