Scary scene: A screencap showing at least three lions mauling the zookeeper at Safari World Bangkok. — The Nation/ANN
The country’s wildlife and parks authority said yesterday that it will inspect the Bangkok zoo where a 58‑year‑old zookeeper was fatally mauled by a pride of lions, with the five animals to be confined for behavioural adjustments.
Atthapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) said the department would send officers to inspect the entire Safari World, including the strength of cages, visitor services, animal control equipment and emergency response units.
“The most important thing is that the five lions involved will be confined and undergo behavioural adjustment. They have exhibited dangerous behaviour towards humans, and without intervention, this behaviour could become habitual,” he said.
Atthapol added that the incident likely stemmed from the zookeeper’s negligence and that he should not have left the vehicle, as it was inherently dangerous.
But he noted that it took a considerable amount of time for help to reach the scene, and that better measures should be in place, especially for the safety of staff.
Atthapol further commented that the wild animal zones would remain closed until the zoo is deemed ready.
This includes ensuring proper animal care, establishing emergency plans and providing first aid training.
There are 620 lions registered with the DNP across 85 owners, including 10 zoos and the rest private breeders and establishments.
The DNP has also ordered inspections nationwide, especially for private owners, to ensure that lions are housed in appropriate cages. Failure to comply will result in the confiscation of the animals.
Atthapol also explained that the lions were fed regularly, and it is believed that the attack was driven by the animals’ instincts.
The victim was attacked on the neck from behind, and the other lions joined in, dragging the keeper around the vehicle. — The Nation/ANN
