"A caged male lion, looks through cage bars.

A longtime zookeeper at a safari theme park and popular tourist attraction in Thailand has died after being mauled by several lions, according to multiple reports citing local wildlife officials.

Jian Rangkharasamee, a 20-year employee who oversaw animals at Safari World in Bangkok, was killed in front of visitors on Wednesday, Sept. 10, according to international media, and the Bangkok Post.

The lions ambushed the 58-year-old from behind after he got out of his vehicle at the zoo's predator drive-through zone, officials with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said. Witnesses saw the attack from their cars, according to news outlets.

The mauling lasted an estimated 15 minutes before another employee was able to help Rangkharasamee, officials told reporters. Once transported to a hospital, he died from his injuries.

Zoo offers condolences on social media

Safari World issued a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 10, acknowledging the employee's passing.

In addition to offering condolences, the zoo said it will continue to support Rangkharasamee's family − and that all the lions and other animals were in good condition and being closely monitored.

In an update hours later, the Safari World Public Company Limited announced that the lion and tiger zone will be closed "for maintenance and animal safety measures."

Animal attacks never occur at zoo, Safari World says

According to the Bangkok Post and India's News 18, local wildlife officials said the attack occurred during the lion's feeding time. In its statement, Safari World said that in over four decades, incidents like the Sept. 10 lion attack have never occurred.

Safari World added that it places a high priority on the safety of all its visitors and staff, and has emphasized the importance of not leaving vehicles while visiting the open zoo, especially when in the wild animal zone.

According to the company, it will conduct an inspection and strengthen safety measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

In addition to African Lions, Safari World is home to an abundance of wildlife, including African elephants, Bengal tigers, giraffes, and zebras. The zoo offers visitors the chance to see the animals in their natural elements at open enclosures, a travel website states.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Zookeeper mauled by lions in front of horrified visitors at Thai safari: reports

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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