SOME lions at a private open zoo in Bangkok’s Khan Na Yao district badly mauled a zookeeper who later died through severe blood loss at Intharak Hospital as tourists tried their best to help, Amarin TV and Neawna newspaper said today (Sep. 10).
Before the tragic incident the caretaker, only identified as Mr. Jian, approximately 50 years of age, had got out of the zoo’s pickup truck and turned his back to the lions. Then one lion which was about 10 metres away slowly approached him, grabbed him from behind and dragged him to the ground and slowly started devouring him. Three to four other lions then also attacked and bit him.
This occurred while there were many tourists, both Thai and foreign, there with the bystanders attempting to help by honking the horns and shouting for help.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was a lion feeder and drove the zoo’s pickup truck to monitor and control the lions and tigers within designated areas. There is no information as to why he got out of the vehicle and was mauled to death by the lions.
Despite this incident the zoo continues to operate normally with both Thai and foreign tourists visiting. At the same time policemen from Khan Na Yao station along with officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the Wildlife and Plant Conservation Division under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), arrived to investigate.
Mr. Sadudee Phanphakdee, director of the division, told the media that officials inspect this open zoo every month including the 32 lions, the facility and checking on the staff caring for them.
However it has still to be ascertained why the mauled officer got out of the vehicle with a veterinarian to be asked about lions’ behaviour. This zoo has no history of animals attacking staff but safety measures will be reviewed.
CAPTION:
Top: Mr. Jain and the lions he took care of.
Insert: Mr. Sadudee Phanphakdee talking to the press. Photos: Amarin TV
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