Bangkok Safari Zoo Worker Mauled to Death by 5 Lions After Entering Enclosure to Retrieve Dropped Item

A 58-year-old male employee died after being violently attacked by a pride of lions while he had gotten out of his vehicle to retrieve an item he had dropped in the lion enclosure area./ Photo: Thairath

(SAP News - Ratcha Piyathamadhaj) September 10, 2025, became a devastating day for Thailand’s zoo community when an unprecedented tragedy occurred at a zoo in Bangkok. A 58-year-old male employee died after being violently attacked by a pride of lions while he had gotten out of his vehicle to retrieve an item he had dropped in the lion enclosure area. The incident has not only brought grief to his family and colleagues but also raised serious questions about the zoo’s safety protocols.

The incident occurred around 11.00 a.m. while the zoo employee was performing his daily duties in the lion area. He accidentally dropped something into the lions' habitat and, perhaps due to haste or familiarity with working around these animals, decided to exit his jeep to retrieve the item.

After getting out of the vehicle, the employee turned his back to the lions, who were approximately 10 meters away. The first lion quietly approached from behind before suddenly pouncing and dragging him to the ground. Then he began biting. Later, three to four additional lions joined the attack, severely mauling him. Even though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

Photo: Matichon

Initial investigations revealed the victim was a 58-year-old zoo staff member with extensive experience caring for various animals, including dangerous species such as lions. His familiarity with the work may have been a factor in his decision to exit the vehicle without anticipating the danger.

Colonel Dr. Tavatchai Kanchanarin, a former professor and surgeon at Phramongkutklao Hospital, who witnessed the incident, stated, "Before the attack, the staff member got out of the vehicle and turned his back. Then the lion slowly approached and pounced from behind, dragged him to the ground, and began biting."

Many tourists were in the area observing the animals when the incident occurred. Witnessing the attack, everyone was shocked but quickly attempted to intervene, honking car horns and shouting in an effort to startle the lions and halt the mauling.

Photo: Thairath

Dr. Tavatchai stated, "Many people witnessed the incident but did not know how to help. We only heard car horns blaring from nearby work vehicles. At first, we assumed the man was familiar with the lions, so no one entered the area. We thought the lions would eventually let go but the mauling went on for about 15 minutes.”

Another concern emerged as rescue personnel were reportedly blocked from accessing the incident area. Emergency responders said they had attempted to enter and assist but were refused entry by zoo staff, who claimed the victim had already been transported to the hospital.

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Source of material: official media /online news