On September 10, 2025, a zookeeper at Safari World in Bangkok, Thailand, was mauled to death by lions. The victim, 58-year-old Jian Rangkharasamee, was a veteran zookeeper with decades of experience at the park.
According to reports, the fatal incident occurred when Rangkharasamee stepped out of his vehicle in the lion enclosure. In this area, visitors and staff are required to remain inside their cars. He was reportedly attacked by a lion from behind, and several others joined in the mauling. The attack, which was witnessed by horrified tourists, lasted about 15 minutes before another zookeeper was able to rescue him. Rangkharasamee was rushed to the hospital but died from his injuries, which included a broken neck and ruptured arteries.
In the wake of the tragedy, Safari World temporarily closed its predator zone and announced an investigation to strengthen safety measures. The incident has also sparked scrutiny from animal welfare organizations and the Department of National Parks, which found that the zoo had damaged fences, inadequate warning signs, and a pending permit renewal. Animal rights groups like World Animal Protection Thailand and PETA have called for the lions to be relocated to a sanctuary, arguing that wild animals should not be used for entertainment