A 19-year-old worker at a private farm in Lahore, Pakistan, has died after being mauled by a big cat while filming a TikTok stunt. Police have arrested the farm's owner and a TikToker in connection with the incident.
The victim, identified as a worker at the site named Talha, was attacked while the animal was being filmed for a social media clip. Officials said the TikToker had asked for the tiger to be let out of its cage for the video.
Investigation into permits and safety
Police said they are investigating whether the site had the correct permits for keeping the animal and whether safety arrangements were followed correctly. The big cat was being held at a breeding site on the property at the time of the attack.
Local reports initially said the animal was a tiger, although other sites in Pakistan suggest it may have been a lion. The stunt involved allowing the big cat to come out of its cage.
Victim rushed to hospital
Talha was rushed to a private hospital after the attack but died on Wednesday. His body has been moved to a morgue for an autopsy. Police said attempts were made to claim Talha had died as a result of a dog attack instead.
The big cat is now in the care of officials from the wildlife department.
Police statement
Lahore Police said: "A passion for TikTok cannot be more important than a human life. No one can be allowed to put human life at risk in the name of hobby or entertainment. The attempt to hide the facts and every aspect of negligence will be investigated."
The incident comes just weeks after William Chapman, 23, died from a tiger attack in the UK. William sustained multiple traumatic injuries from a tiger after climbing into its enclosure at a zoo near Doncaster. Footage emerged after the incident of William filming himself moments after entering the tiger exhibit, having "climbed two fences" to get in. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
