A tragic incident unfolded at Safari World, a popular zoo in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday (September 10) when a 58-year-old zookeeper, Jian Rangkharasamee, was mauled to death by lions in front of visitors. The zookeeper, who had worked at the zoo for over 20 years, reportedly violated safety protocols by stepping out of his vehicle inside the lion enclosure.
The attack lasted approximately 15 minutes before the lions were subdued and Rangkharasamee was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Visitors, both Thai and foreign, watched in horror, some attempting to distract the lions by honking car horns and shouting.
The incident has raised concerns about the zoo's safety measures. The zookeeper exited his vehicle to retrieve a dropped item, leading to the attack. The lions, described as pre-adolescent, were likely engaging in playful behavior that turned fatal due to their size and strength.
Safari World expressed condolences and committed to reviewing safety protocols. The zoo, which has operated for over 40 years without such incidents, emphasized the importance of not leaving vehicles in areas with dangerous animals. Police are investigating the incident, and video footage has circulated widely on social media, prompting public concern over animal safety and zoo operations.
The zoo has temporarily closed the area and secured the lions in cages while authorities inspect the facility and its safety measures. The family of the deceased will receive full support from the zoo, which is committed to preventing future tragedies.