A zookeeper was mauled to death by a giant pack of lions in front of horrified tourists at a world-famous safari park in Thailand.
At about 11 am local time, an employee was fatally attacked after stepping out of his vehicle at the Safari World in Bangkok. This is a popular tourist attraction zoo that people can explore on foot or in their cars in Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok, as confirmed by the Bangkok Post.
The victim was identified as a 58-year-old named Jian Rangkharasamee. He was sent to the Intrarat Hospital but passed away due to his injuries, as per the local media outlets.
As per the Khan Na Yao Police, the zookeeper is believed to have exited his vehicle and bent down to retrieve an item off the ground. He was initially attacked by the lion that pounced on him from roughly 32 feet away. After being struck from behind, he was then dragged to the ground and mauled. Other lions were seen joining in, as per the media outlet.
The attack took place in the designated lion exhibit area, where visitors can drive through during the peak visiting hours.
Many tourists watched on in horror as some tried to help by honking their car horns and shouting for help in an effort to get the lions to release the victim.