Thai zookeeper killed by lions in front of visitors for breaking safety rules

In Thailand, a zookeeper was killed by a group of lions, leading to an investigation into the zoo’s handling of wild animals and safety procedures.

On Wednesday, the fatal incident occurred at Safari World in Bangkok, with visitors capturing the event on film. According to the Thai News Agency, witnesses stated that the zookeeper was pulled to the ground and attacked by at least three lions after he exited his vehicle, violating safety protocols.

The victim, a man in his 50s, was later pronounced dead at the hospital after being retrieved by his colleagues from the lions, which had attacked him for around 15 minutes.

The deceased staff member had over 20 years of experience working with tigers and lions and was tasked with driving a pickup truck to guide the animals within their designated areas.

Wildlife officials have been dispatched to investigate whether the zoo legally possessed the lions and to evaluate the safety of the animal enclosures.

Safari World expressed its “deepest condolences” to the victim’s family and said it would provide them with “full care and support.” It said such an incident had never occurred before in over 40 years of operation and that all the animals were being monitored by a team of experts.

“The company will urgently review and strengthen safety measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” it said in a statement.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, a local NGO, said that to the best of its knowledge, the lion safety standards and record at Safari World were “in line with international standards.”

However, even with strong procedures, keeping dangerous wildlife in captivity “always carries serious risks” for both people and animals, the group said in a statement Wednesday.

“This incident should serve as a stark reminder,” it said, stressing that lions kept for private possession in coffee shops and entertainment parks “are tragedies waiting to happen.”

Fatal attacks by wild animals have been a longstanding issue in Thailand. Wild elephants caused at least 227 fatalities over 12 years, officials reported in 2024.

In January, a 22-year-old Spanish tourist died after an elephant gored her with its tusk while she bathed the animal.