A zookeeper was fatally attacked by a group of lions in a horrifying incident that lasted for 15 minutes, witnessed by shocked tourists.
The tragic event occurred at Safari World in Bangkok, Thailand on September 11. Jian Rangkharasamee, a 58-year-old supervisor, was taken by surprise when a lion approached him from behind as he exited a vehicle in the lion enclosure. Within moments, the lion leaped on him and dragged him to the ground. Subsequently, four more lions joined the attack while visitors tried to intervene by honking car horns and shouting to scare the animals away.
The ordeal endured for a harrowing 15 minutes until another staff member intervened and rescued the victim. Eyewitness Tavatchai Kanchanarin recounted the incident, stating that the zookeeper did not cry out as the lion grabbed him unexpectedly. Spectators initially assumed the lion was familiar with the keeper, possibly raised by him, leading to their hesitation in intervening.
The deceased zookeeper’s wife, Ratanaporn Jitpakdee, expressed shock at her husband’s tragic death, noting his meticulous safety practices at the zoo over the years. Having dedicated nearly two decades to working in the lion and tiger areas of the zoo, the keeper was well-known among the animals. Despite speculations that the lions may have been playfully mauling him due to their familiarity, the attack resulted in fatal injuries due to their size and strength.
Medical staff at Intararat Hospital confirmed severe injuries on the victim, including bite marks and claw scratches on his neck, abdomen, and right leg. An autopsy was scheduled before releasing the body to the family for funeral rites.
Following the incident, Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, instructed officials to investigate Safari World. Yutthana Phitaktha, Safari Zone Park Manager, announced the temporary closure of the area for safety reasons and the secure confinement of all lions in cages.