Overview
- Katherine Chappell, 29, lowered her window to photograph a lion near Johannesburg when the animal lunged through the opening and fatally mauled her.
- An eyewitness said the lioness attacked twice as guide Pierre Potgieter tried to fight it off from the passenger seat, and the guide later suffered a heart attack.
- Lion Park says it provides written slips and extensive signage instructing visitors to keep windows closed within the drive-through lion enclosure.
- The facility has opened an internal investigation alongside police after promoting experiences that promise “super close-up views” as completely safe.
- Wildlife specialist Kevin Richardson warns that captive lions can lose their fear of humans and urges strict adherence to no-window rules in such parks.