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Linked Fatal Lion Attacks at Wildlife Parks Prompt Safety Probes

Officials ordered investigations following reports of procedural lapses.

Overview

  • At Safari World in Bangkok, supervisor Jian Rangkharasamee was killed after stepping from a vehicle in a lion enclosure as multiple lions set upon him in an attack witnessed by tourists.
  • The Bangkok incident lasted about 15 minutes, an autopsy was planned at Intararat Hospital, the lion zone was temporarily closed, and all lions were secured in cages.
  • Thailand’s Department of National Parks requested an inquiry into Safari World following the attack, according to Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa and park officials.
  • In Abeokuta, Nigeria, handler Babaji Daule died after police said he failed to secure a safety gate before feeding at the OOPL Wildlife Park, and staff shot the lion to stop the mauling.
  • Coverage also cites a May 2025 death of Bernd Kebbel in Namibia, with authorities later euthanizing the lioness, underscoring common threads of tourist witnesses, protocol breaches, and animal removal.