A horrifying incident unfolded at Safari World in Bangkok, Thailand, when a seasoned zookeeper was mauled to death by lions in front of terrified onlookers. The 59-year-old zookeeper, Jian Rangkasamee, was attacked on Wednesday morning as he exited his vehicle to remove litter from the lion’s open enclosure.
The gruesome scene was witnessed by a number of visitors who watched in horror as the lions pinned Rangkasamee down and began to tear at his flesh. The first lion, according to an eyewitness, was approximately 30 feet away before it slowly approached Rangkasamee from behind, dragging him to the ground and biting him. Shortly after, three or four other lions joined in the attack.
Despite the desperate attempts of fellow zookeepers to deter the lions by honking their car horns, the brutal assault continued. By the time the zoo staff managed to intervene with firearms, Rangkasamee’s body had been severely mauled, leaving him lifeless in a pool of blood.
Hospital staff reported that Rangkasamee had suffered multiple broken bones and extensive tissue damage. The majority of his flesh was reported as damaged or missing.
Following the incident, the park was temporarily closed. Park officials are contemplating euthanizing the lions involved in the attack. Local police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Rangkasamee, who had been working with animals for three decades, had been employed at the Bangkok zoo since 2019. Park employees highlighted that there is a rule in place prohibiting customers and employees from exiting their vehicles in order to ensure safety.
The owners of the Bangkok World Safari Park have not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. The Department of National Parks, responsible for the country’s zoos, stated that staff were en route to the facility to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.