A tragic incident unfolded at Safari World in Bangkok when a veteran zookeeper was fatally attacked by a group of lions after stepping out of his vehicle in an open-air safari zone, Thai authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
The attack occurred at the popular wildlife park, known for its up-close animal encounters, including lion and tiger feeding experiences. According to Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, the victim—a zoo supervisor with over 30 years of experience—was surrounded by six or seven lions shortly after leaving his vehicle alone.
One visitor, who witnessed the event, said the man had his back turned to the animals for several minutes before a lion approached and dragged him down. “The lions continued attacking for about 15 minutes,” the witness told The Nation. Another zookeeper eventually intervened and managed to pull the victim away, according to The Bangkok Post.
The attack happened around 11 a.m. during peak visiting hours, with many Thai and international tourists present. Witnesses reported honking car horns and shouting in attempts to alert staff and get help.
In response, Safari World announced it will urgently review and strengthen its safety protocols, particularly stressing the rule to remain inside vehicles in predator zones. Animal rights organization PETA responded to the incident by urging that the lions be relocated to a sanctuary, stating that the animals were simply acting on natural instincts.