Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death of Zookeeper Jian, NPD Orders Temporary Closure of Predator Zone

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A tragic incident shocked the public on September 10, 2025, when Mr.Jian Rangkharasami, 58, a senior zookeeper with 30 years of service and just two years from retirement, was killed by a group of lions while going to feed them. Jian was well-versed in the park’s safety protocols and had never faced any complaints or disciplinary issues. The incident is the first fatal lion attack in the park’s 40-year history.

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Normally, Jian worked with two partners under a buddy system, but on the day of the incident, he was left alone when his partners entered another enclosure. He drove a zebra-striped vehicle, not the usual feeding cage truck, into the lion zone. Dr. Thavatchai Kanchanarin, a visiting tourist, noticed the vehicle was parked unusually and saw Jian step out, facing the car with his back to the lions. Moments later, he was dragged away. Dr. Thavatchai reported that Jian appeared distracted and did not scream or resist, suggesting the need for a toxicology test to check for alcohol or substances in his system.

Jian’s wife and a longtime colleague, known as Uncle Pae, rejected any suggestion of suicide, saying Jian had no history of depression or self-harm. Uncle Pae, who had trained Jian decades earlier, said he always reminded him never to let his guard down around wild animals. He believes Jian might have stepped out to pick up a dropped item, such as a visitor’s phone, as such incidents had happened before.

Autopsy Results

A preliminary autopsy revealed Jian suffered a broken neck, fractured leg, deep claw wounds, and chest trauma that may have punctured a lung. Forensic police confirmed there were no missing body parts and only dried blood at the scene, indicating the lions did not intend to eat him but acted aggressively or playfully. Experts noted that the lions involved were young and energetic. Ning, a lion handler from Chiang Mai, explained that lions accustomed to humans often try to play but misjudge their strength, like oversized cats, and may cause unintentionally fatal injuries.

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NPD Orders Temporary Closure of The Predator Zone

On September 11, 2025, Attapol Charoenchansa, Director General of the National Parks Department, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, expressed condolences to Jian’s family and sent officials to conduct a thorough investigation. As an immediate measure, the department ordered the temporary closure of the predator zone and instructed Safari World to review and strengthen safety protocols, including enclosure security, visitor protection systems, deterrent equipment, and the establishment of a rapid-response team for emergencies.

In addition, the Department of National Parks announced plans to inspect the possession and management of controlled and dangerous wildlife at five open zoos:

1. Safari World, Bangkok

2. Safari Park & Camp, Kanchanaburi

3. Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Chonburi

4. Tiger Park, Chonburi

5. Tiger Park, Phuket

Authorities emphasized the strict enforcement of the buddy system for all staff and the mandatory use of protective equipment capable of stopping animals in emergencies. They will review the lions’ care history for possible lapses and extend safety inspections to other dangerous species, such as tigers. The predator zone will reopen only when all safety and emergency plans are fully implemented and verified.

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Source of material: official media /online news