A horrific and perhaps predictable scene unfolded this week at a popular open-air zoo, where a pack of lions mauled the park’s longtime zookeeper to death.
According to Agence France-Presse, the 58-year-old zookeeper was killed on Wednesday at Safari World Bangkok in Thailand, where it’s legal to own lions. Sadudee Punpugdee, the wildlife protection director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, told AFP that the man “usually fed the lions.”
The zookeeper stepped out of his car to feed the lions when a pack of five lions attacked him. It’s reported that the pack of lions is led by a 10-year-old named Trump. One of the zoo’s doctors who witnessed the attack says the zookeeper got out of the car “and stood alone with his back turned to the animals.”
The doctor went on to say that the zookeeper, who had worked at the park for more than 30 years, stood there for about three minutes before “a lion … grabbed him from the back.”
AFP reports that an autopsy showed the zookeeper suffered multiple deep lacerations, a broken neck, and ruptured arteries.
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In a lengthy statement, the park’s founder and director, Edwin Wiek, sought to dispel rumors that the lions attacked the zookeeper because they were starving.
“Reports suggesting that the lions were starved or hungry and attacked the keeper for this reason are unfounded. All lions in the open enclosure at the safari park appeared well-fed and well cared for,” Wiek said in a statement posted on Facebook. “They live in a large open enclosure with grass, trees, ponds, and enrichments, through which cars with visitors pass.”
The five lions have since been confined to cages for close monitoring. The park’s big cat section has also been closed.
Safari World is no stranger to controversy. The park continues to draw intense scrutiny for featuring orangutans that perform kickboxing and hula hooping. The park also reportedly offers visitors the chance to feed lions and tigers for around $37.
AFP went on to report that the zoo’s permit expired in October and is still awaiting renewal. A zoo rep, however, told the outlet that the park is safe for visitors.
