Bangkok: A senior zookeeper was mauled to death by a group of lions at Safari World in Bangkok on the morning of Wednesday, in full view of shocked tourists. The incident has sparked serious concerns over staff safety protocols, animal management practices, and the overall legitimacy of the park’s lion ownership.

The victim, Jian Rangkharasamee, 58, had worked as a supervisor at the zoo for over 30 years and was widely regarded as a kind and experienced caretaker, as reported by the Bangkok Post . According to witnesses and officials, he was attacked shortly after stepping out of an uncovered vehicle in the drive-through safari zone—an area where lions and other wild animals roam freely.

A witness to the attack, Dr Tavatchai Kanchanarin, a former professor and surgeon at Phra Mongkut Klao Hospital, described how Jian had alighted an uncovered car and remained there for a few minutes. He was initially approached from behind by a lion while his back was turned, according to a report by Thaiger.

Within moments, several other lions joined the attack, dragging him to the ground and inflicting fatal injuries. Tourists who witnessed the attack attempted to intervene by honking their car horns and shouting, but the lions continued mauling the keeper for approximately 15 minutes before zoo staff could intervene and retrieve him.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died of his injuries.

Attapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of Wildlife, said it is believed the lions were being fed at the time and one may have become agitated, triggering the attack. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation confirmed that the victim was a regular member of staff who routinely fed the lions.

A senior zoo official, who asked not to be named, stated that all the lions were properly licensed and that Safari World has clear rules in place regarding interaction with dangerous animals.

Jian’s wife, Ratanaporn Jitpakdee, 57, reportedly expressed her grief over the loss of her husband, the main breadwinner of the family.

Safari World issued a public statement expressing its condolences to the victim’s family and promising to provide full support. “We will urgently review and strengthen safety measures to prevent such incidents from happening again,” the zoo stated.

The zoo, which brands itself as one of Asia’s largest open-air wildlife attractions, allows visitors to get close to animals such as tigers, lions, and zebras. Visitors are clearly instructed to remain inside their vehicles while in the drive-through zone.

The incident has drawn criticism from conservation groups. Edwin Wiek of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand said, “This should serve as a stark reminder that these animals, even when raised by humans, remain dangerous and unpredictable.”

Animal rights organisation PETA called for the lions to be relocated to a sanctuary, stating, “Safari World must relocate the lions, who have done nothing wrong other than exhibit their natural behaviours.”

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether safety protocols were properly followed and how the staff member came to be outside the vehicle in close proximity to the lions.

(With AFP inputs)