Zookeeper in Thailand dies after being attacked by lions in front of visitors
FILE - Image of a lion inside of zoo enclosure. Photo by GUILLAUME SOUVANT/AFP via Getty Images)
A keeper at a zoo in Thailand was mauled to death by lions in front of visitors on Wednesday, according to reports.
The drive-in zone where the tragedy occurred was closed until further notice, according to the Bangkok Post.
What happened?
Dig deeper:
After exiting his vehicle, the zookeeper was attacked from behind by a lion.
Visitors who were driving through Safari World Bangkok watched in horror as several other lions attacked. The mauling lasted about 15 minutes, according to the Post.
Another keeper arrived and pulled his colleague to safety before he was rushed to the hospital. He later died from the injuries he sustained in the attack.
Local perspective:
The deceased employee was identified as Jian Rangkharasamee, 58, according to USA Today.
Rangkharasamee watched over the animals at the zoo for 20 years.
An autopsy report showed that he suffered a broken neck, which prevented him from being able to move, according to The Nation.
Rangkharasamee suffered severe cuts on his body, which led to significant blood loss.
What's next:
The five lions involved in the attack are being evaluated.
What they're saying:
"The most important thing is that the five lions involved will be confined and undergo behavioural adjustment. They have exhibited dangerous behaviour towards humans, and without intervention, this behaviour could become habitual," Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) said on Wednesday.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from reporting by USA Today, Bangkok Post and The Nation. This story was reported from San Jose.