Tragedy struck at Safari World Bangkok when a 58-year-old zookeeper, Jian Rangkharasamee, was mauled to death by a pride of lions.

The veteran keeper, who had worked with lions for nearly 30 years, was attacked after stepping out of his jeep inside the lion enclosure.

According to eyewitnesses, a lion quietly approached from behind and pounced on him before several others joined in.

Tourists watching the scene screamed and honked their horns in a desperate attempt to stop the attack.

However, the lions continued to maul Rangkharasamee for about 15 minutes before staff could intervene.

He was rushed to Intrarat Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Professor Tavatchai Kanchanarin, who witnessed the incident, described how the lions dragged and bit the zookeeper without hesitati

See Full Page