Bangkok: Visitors to the famous Safari World – an open zoo in Thailand’s Bangkok – were witness to a gruesome sight on Wednesday morning after a pride of lions mauled a zookeeper to death. This is the first such incident in the zoo’s 40-year history, authorities said.
The horrific attack took place in front of visitors – both Thai and foreigners – around 11am. The victim was identified as Jian Rangkharasamee, a 58-year-old zookeeper, who had spent two decades at Safari World Bangkok.
According to the police, Jian had exited his vehicle and turned his back to the lions as he bent down to pick something. A lion approached him from behind, grabbed him, and dragged him to the ground, a report in the Khaosod English said.
Three to four other lions soon joined the attack which lasted 15 minutes.
Col Dr Thawatchai Kanchanarin, who witnessed the attack, said that many visitors did not immediately realise what was happening. They thought the lions were just being playful.
“People thought the lions might just be trying to embrace him, so no one approached the area,” he explained.
Visitors are not allowed to exit their vehicles or roll down their windows in this zone of Safari World Bangkok. When some realised that the zookeeper was being mauled, they started honking in a futile attempt to drive the lions away.
The attack continued for 15 minutes before another caretaker could approach the victim. He was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Attapol Charoenchansa, director general of the concerned department, said the drive-in zone at Safari World will remain closed to visitors until further notice. According to the Bangkok Post, Attapol said the attack occurred while the lions were feeding.
“It is assumed that one of them was not in a good mood and started the attack,” he said.
Safari World Bangkok claimed it was the first such incident in 40 years.
“Following the news reports of an accident involving a staff member at the lion zone at the open zoo, Safari World Public Company Limited would like to inform you that the staff member was seriously injured and later died. The company would like to express its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and will provide the best possible care and support to the family,” it said.
“After inspection, the lions and all other animals are in normal condition and are being closely monitored by a team of experts. The company would like to confirm that in over 40 years, no such incident has ever occurred. The company places the highest priority on the safety of all visitors and staff, emphasizing the importance of not getting out of vehicles while visiting the open zoo, especially in the wild animal zone. The Company will urgently investigate and strengthen safety measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again,” it added.
