Anthony Yates
A zookeeper was fatally injured by lions at a zoo in Bangkok on Wednesday. Horrified guests in their cars reportedly honked their horns and shouted in an attempt to scare the animals away.
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What happened: According to a report by Nation Thailand, the incident occurred at a “popular zoo” on September 10 at around 11 AM. The Bangkok Post named the location as the Safari World zoo.
- Per Nation Thailand, Col Dr Thawatchai Kanjanarin explained that the lions attacked the zookeeper as they exited their vehicle. The keeper reportedly turned away when a lion, which was roughly 10 meters away, slowly approached and pounced on him from behind.
- The lion dragged the keeper to the ground and started to bite him. Moments later, several other lions joined in. The outlet points out that the attack occurred during peak hours at the zoo in an area where guests can drive.
- Visitors reportedly tried to help the zookeeper by honking their horns and shouting. Kanjanarin told the outlet that some witnesses thought the animals and the keeper might be playing. “People assumed the lion was trying to greet the keeper, so no one intervened. The lions continued attacking for about 15 minutes,” he said.
The Zookeeper Succumbed To His Injuries In The Hospital
Failure to follow procedure: Nation Thailand explains that the zookeeper was rushed to a local hospital, but he died from his injuries.
- Police reportedly say the zookeeper entered the enclosure to feed the lions. However, they say he did not follow safety protocols, which led to the attack.
- Per the Bangkok Post, the attack occurred during feeding time. Department director-general Attapol Charoenchansa reportedly announced the drive-through section of the zoo would remain closed until visitor safety could be ensured.
- The outlet also identifies the zookeeper as 58-year-old Jian Rangkharasamee. He was reportedly a supervisor at Safari World Zoo.
Another lion attack: Earlier this year, a woman was attacked by a lion at a Zoo in Australia. She survived, but was severely injured after the animal grabbed her arm.
- Per Minq, the incident occurred at Darling Downs Zoo in July. Emergency services airlifted the woman to a hospital for treatment, but she lost her arm.
- The zoo later confirmed that the woman is one of the zoo owner’s family members. They also made it clear that the animal would not face consequences. “The animal will definitely not be put down or punished in any way,” they said.
