The incident occurred at “Safari World Bangkok,” one of the largest open zoos in Asia, which offers lion and tiger feeding tours for about $37 per person. The management of “Safari World Bangkok” confirmed the employee’s death and issued a statement saying: “We will urgently review and enhance measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.” A senior official at the park, who preferred to remain anonymous, told local media that all lions in the facility are licensed, emphasizing the existence of strict rules that are repeatedly enforced when dealing with dangerous animals.
The “Safari World Bangkok” website promotes the experience of getting close to wild animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and zebras in their natural environment. Owning lions is legal, and the number of lions in captivity has risen to around 500 in zoos, farms, and homes in recent years.
Meanwhile, the animal rights organization “PETA” demanded in a statement issued on Wednesday that the lions be moved to a sanctuary, considering that they “did nothing wrong but exhibit their natural behavior.”
