58-year-old zookeeper attacked after stepping out of vehicle inside lion enclosure at Safari World; incident caught in full view of stunned visitors
Tragedy at Safari World, Bangkok
In a shocking and tragic incident, a zookeeper at Safari World in Bangkok was mauled to death by lions on Wednesday, September 10, in front of horrified zoo visitors.
The victim, Jian Rangkharasamee, 58, had worked at the zoo for over two decades. Reports say he violated safety protocols by stepping out of his vehicle inside the lion enclosure — an area designated as strictly no-exit.
What Happened?
- The attack took place in the open safari section of Safari World, where animals roam freely and guests observe from vehicles.
- Multiple lions attacked Jian while he attempted to walk outside during feeding time.
- The mauling lasted approximately 15 minutes, despite tourists honking and shouting in panic.
- Visitors watched helplessly, with some capturing video, while others attempted to distract the animals.
“Many thought the lions recognized him and wouldn’t attack. But they kept biting… no one knew how to help,”
— Dr. Thawatchai Kanchanarin, former surgeon and eyewitness.
Lions Were Feeding, Says Wildlife Department
Officials from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks said the lions were in the middle of feeding, which could have triggered aggression.
“It is assumed one of the lions was not in a good mood and started the attack,”
— Attapol Charoenchansa, Director-General, Department of Wildlife.
The official cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries from deep bites and lacerations. Jian was rushed to a hospital but declared dead on arrival.
Safari World Issues Statement
In an official press release, Safari World Bangkok confirmed the fatal incident and expressed deep regret:
“This is the first time in 40 years that such a tragedy has occurred… The company extends its deepest condolences to the family and will provide full support.”
- The zoo confirmed all lions and animals are in normal condition and are being monitored closely.
- Management emphasized that visitors and staff must never exit vehicles inside the open safari area.
- An urgent investigation and review of safety protocols has been launched.
PETA Reacts: Calls for Lion Relocation
Animal rights group PETA issued a strong statement following the incident:
“This is a tragic reminder of the risks involved in handling wild animals. The lions must be relocated to a sanctuary. No enclosure can guarantee safety.”
PETA and other wildlife groups have long criticized zoos that allow human-animal proximity without adequate safety controls, especially during feeding.
Safety Concerns Under Scrutiny
The deadly attack has raised serious questions about zoo safety standards, not just in Thailand but globally:
- Why were safety protocols not enforced?
- Were lions properly trained or monitored?
- Should open safaris continue to allow direct human interaction with wild predators?
This heart-wrenching incident at Bangkok’s Safari World is a stark reminder that even the most experienced handlers are not immune to the unpredictable nature of wild animals. As investigations begin, the world watches to see whether this tragedy leads to real reform — or becomes yet another forgotten warning.
