In a shocking incident that has left the public reeling, a veteran zookeeper at a major zoo, Safari World Bangkok, was mauled to death by a pack of lions on September 10th, 2025, right in front of stunned visitors. The attack, which unfolded around 11:00 a.m. in the zoo’s drive-through lion exhibit, marks the first fatal incident of its kind at the popular attraction in over 40 years. Eyewitnesses described a scene of horror as the big cats descended on the 58-year-old employee, highlighting the inherent dangers of working with wild animals despite strict safety protocols.
The zoo, one of Asia’s largest open-air zoos located in the Khlong Sam Wa district, allows visitors to drive through enclosures housing lions, tigers, and other predators. The park prides itself on offering “up-close and personal” experiences, including lion- and tiger-feeding tours for around 1,200 baht (about $37 USD) per person. However, the tragic event has sparked urgent questions about animal welfare, staff safety, and the ethics of such interactive exhibits.
The victim, identified as Jian Rangkharasamee, had dedicated over 30 years to caring for the zoo’s lions and tigers. According to police reports from Khan Na Yao Police Station, Jian was patrolling the lion enclosure in his vehicle during feeding time when he stopped to retrieve an item he had dropped on the ground. In a fatal lapse, he exited the vehicle and bent down with his back turned to the animals—violating the zoo’s strict rule that staff must remain inside vehicles at all times in the drive-through zone.
From about 10 meters away, a lion approached stealthily from behind, pounced on Jian, and dragged him to the ground. Within moments, three to four more lions joined the frenzy, mauling him for approximately 15 minutes. Jian was pronounced dead on arrival at Intrarat Hospital despite efforts by fellow staff to intervene.
Eyewitnesses, including tourists in nearby vehicles, were left helpless. Colonel Dr. Thawatchai Kanchanarin, a former surgeon at Phra Mongkutklao Hospital who was visiting the zoo, spoke about the event to associated Thai media: “At first, we thought the lion might be familiar with the staff member, possibly the one who raised it. People assumed the lion was trying to greet the keeper, so no one intervened.”
Visitors tried to distract the lions by honking horns and shouting, but it was another keeper, Phanom Sitsaeng, who eventually reached Jian and pulled him to safety—too late to save his life. Officials arrived with firearms to scatter the lions, leaving a grim scene with a puddle of blood on the ground.
Videos and photos captured by tourists quickly spread online, amplifying the shock. Police Colonel Niruchpol Yothamat confirmed that the incident was the result of Jian failing to follow safety protocols, though colleagues remembered him as a “kind man” who was deeply experienced with the animals.
The zoo, Safari World Bangkok was immediately shut down indefinitely following the attack, with the drive-through zone ordered closed by authorities until further notice. In a statement posted on the zoo’s Facebook page, management expressed profound grief and committed to a thorough investigation. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” the post read. “Safari World will urgently investigate the incident and strengthen safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again. Our thoughts are with Jian’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
A senior zoo official, speaking anonymously to local media, stated that all lions at the park are fully licensed and that staff are repeatedly trained on protocols for handling dangerous animals. “We have rules and we repeat them often as we work with dangerous animals,” the official said.
This event is rare but not unprecedented globally. Just last October, lions killed a zookeeper in Crimea after an unlocked door incident, and in January 2025, an elephant fatally attacked a tourist at a Thai sanctuary. Wildlife experts note that while fatal attacks in controlled environments are infrequent, they show the unpredictable nature of predators.
As investigations continue under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in wildlife tourism. Jian Rangkharasamee’s death has led to calls for enhanced regulations, but for now, the focus remains on supporting his family and ensuring such a heartbreaking event never happens again.
