A senior animal keeper at Bangkok's renowned Safari World park has died following a savage mauling by a pride of lions inside their enclosure. The tragic event unfolded on Thursday morning, sending shockwaves through the wildlife conservation community.
The victim, identified as 48-year-old Sawat Srikaew, was performing a routine cleaning procedure within the lions' habitat when the attack occurred. Despite being an experienced zookeeper, he was overpowered by the big cats before fellow staff could intervene.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Park officials and emergency services rushed to the scene immediately after the alarm was raised. Tragically, they were unable to save Mr. Sawat, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
"This is a devastating loss for our Safari World family," a park representative stated. "Our thoughts are with our colleague's family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time."
Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
The horrific incident has sparked urgent questions about safety measures for keepers working with dangerous animals. Standard protocol typically requires the complete separation of animals from keepers during enclosure maintenance, either through secure locking systems or temporary relocation of the animals.
An investigation has been launched to determine whether safety procedures were followed or if there was a catastrophic failure in the park's operational protocols.
A History of Incidents
This is not the first safety incident involving large predators at Thai wildlife attractions. The tragedy highlights the inherent dangers zookeepers face daily and the critical importance of unwavering adherence to safety standards when working with apex predators.
Safari World, one of Bangkok's most popular tourist destinations, houses numerous species including lions, tigers, and giraffes, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
