Safari World vows urgent safety review after zookeeper killed in lion attack
Veteran keeper at Safari World Bangkok killed after exiting vehicle inside lion enclosure; zoo zones closed and safety protocols under scrutiny.
A 58-year-old zookeeper at Safari World in Bangkok was fatally mauled by a pride of lions during a morning open-exhibit session, sparking urgent calls for stronger safety measures.
The incident occurred around eleven o’clock on September tenth, when the keeper, identified as Jian Rangkharasamee, stepped out of his vehicle inside the lion zone, reportedly to retrieve something from the ground.
He was attacked by one lion from about ten metres away and then dragged to the ground, where several more lions joined the attack.
The mauling continued for roughly fifteen minutes before staff intervened, but he later died at Intrarat Hospital.
Authorities say exiting the vehicle breached established safety protocols.
Safari World expressed its deepest condolences and pledged full support to the family of the deceased.
The company emphasised that in over four decades of operation the park had not experienced a similar incident.
All animals were confirmed by expert teams to be in normal condition, and are being closely monitored.
The zoo’s management reminded visitors not to leave vehicles during open safari tours, especially in areas with dangerous animals.
In response to widespread public concern, the park has shut down its lion zone and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has ordered a full safety review.
The zoo has been asked to submit a detailed plan within two days to strengthen protocols.
Officials will also increase the frequency and rigour of inspections of open zoo facilities across Thailand, and the lions involved will be quarantined and removed permanently from visitor-accessible areas.
Wildlife authorities will investigate whether Safari World met all legal requirements, including animal registration and enclosure safety under Thailand’s legislation.
Tourists present during the attack reportedly honked car horns and shouted in an attempt to distract the animals, but were unable to prevent the tragedy.
The incident has reignited debate over the adequacy of safety rules in attractions where visitors and large predators are in close proximity.
Investigations are ongoing as the public and officials await more precise findings.
The incident occurred around eleven o’clock on September tenth, when the keeper, identified as Jian Rangkharasamee, stepped out of his vehicle inside the lion zone, reportedly to retrieve something from the ground.
He was attacked by one lion from about ten metres away and then dragged to the ground, where several more lions joined the attack.
The mauling continued for roughly fifteen minutes before staff intervened, but he later died at Intrarat Hospital.
Authorities say exiting the vehicle breached established safety protocols.
Safari World expressed its deepest condolences and pledged full support to the family of the deceased.
The company emphasised that in over four decades of operation the park had not experienced a similar incident.
All animals were confirmed by expert teams to be in normal condition, and are being closely monitored.
The zoo’s management reminded visitors not to leave vehicles during open safari tours, especially in areas with dangerous animals.
In response to widespread public concern, the park has shut down its lion zone and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has ordered a full safety review.
The zoo has been asked to submit a detailed plan within two days to strengthen protocols.
Officials will also increase the frequency and rigour of inspections of open zoo facilities across Thailand, and the lions involved will be quarantined and removed permanently from visitor-accessible areas.
Wildlife authorities will investigate whether Safari World met all legal requirements, including animal registration and enclosure safety under Thailand’s legislation.
Tourists present during the attack reportedly honked car horns and shouted in an attempt to distract the animals, but were unable to prevent the tragedy.
The incident has reignited debate over the adequacy of safety rules in attractions where visitors and large predators are in close proximity.
Investigations are ongoing as the public and officials await more precise findings.
