A zookeeper in Bangkok was mauled to death by a pride of lions on Wednesday (10 Sept), in what was reportedly the first time this had happened at the attraction.
The 58-year-old man’s final minutes were played out in full view of horrified tourists at Safari World, reported Khaosod English.
Source: The Nation Thailand
The attack unfolded around 11am, when the victim, identified as Jian, stepped out of his vehicle.
The animal caretaker for lions and tigers, who had 30 years of experience at the zoo, had left his vehicle to pick up an item he dropped, the police said.
However, when he bent down, a lion crept up from about 10m behind him and jumped on top of him.
He was then dragged to the ground, where the lion began mauling him.
Within moments, three to four more lions joined in.
Source: Globe – Bangkok’s News + Lifestyle on Facebook
Witnesses described a chaotic scene that went on for about 15 minutes.
Colonel Thawatchai Kanchanarin, a former surgeon who witnessed the incident, said Jian had stood motionless for about two to three minutes after leaving his vehicle.
Dr Thawatchai was surprised when the lions started attacking Jian, who did not make any noise or attempt to call for help.
Source: Khaosod English
People initially thought the lions were being playful and trying to embrace him, so they did not approach, he noted, adding:
At first, most thought the lion was familiar with the staff member, maybe even friendly, so nobody dared to go near.
Although there were a lot of people around, “nobody knew what to do”, he said.
“They honked their car horns and shouted for help.”
Zoo staff eventually intervened and Jian was taken to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Source: Khaosod English
An autopsy conducted by the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Royal Thai Police found that he had suffered several severe wounds and multiple broken bones, reported The Nation.
These included a broken neck, which left him unable to move, and a torn windpipe that prevented him from calling for help.
He also sustained a serious cut on his thigh that severed his major veins and arteries and caused massive blood loss.
However, all his organs were intact and were not eaten by the lions.
The fatal incident is the first of its kind at Safari World, which is a major attraction in Bangkok.
Popular with families and Singaporean tourists alike, it is known for its open enclosures and drive-through safari experience.
The tragedy has left staff and visitors shaken and caused the attraction’s safety procedures to come under scrutiny, particularly about the dangers of keeping predators in close proximity to humans, The Thaiger reported.
Preliminary findings suggested that Jian had gone to feed the animals without following standard safety protocols.
In a statement, Safari World’s management said the incident was “a tragic reminder of the risks involved in handling wild animals”.
Source: Khaosod English
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and are committed to reviewing our safety protocols to prevent future incidents,” it added, promising to fully cooperate with investigators to determine what went wrong.
Jian’s wife told Khaosod English that she was “shocked” and could not accept his death.
He had worked at Safari World since young, loved his job and loved animals.
She described him as “very calm and careful”, with no family problems and no signs of depression.
Source: The Nation Thailand
As he was retiring soon, the couple had even planned to buy land and become farmers after his retirement, she added.
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Featured image adapted from Globe – Bangkok’s News + Lifestyle on Facebook and Khaosod English.