BANGKOK — The five lions involved in the fatal mauling of a zookeeper at Safari World will be permanently isolated in a restricted zone for behavioral observation and barred from tourist areas, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced on Thursday. The zoo’s predator section has also been ordered closed pending a safety review.

Zookeeper Killed by Lions at Bangkok Safari Zoo

Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa stated that the lions, which have a documented history of aggression toward humans, must never again be exposed to public areas. He emphasized that zoos must prohibit close-up tourist interactions with dangerous animals like lions, tigers, or elephants, noting that “their instincts and temperaments cannot be controlled.”

The victim, 58-year-old zookeeper Jian Rungkasemrasamee, was attacked on Tuesday while working in the drive-through safari zone. CCTV footage shows him stepping out of his vehicle and turning his back to the lions before one attacked him from behind. Other lions quickly joined the assault. Jian was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

An autopsy revealed he died from a broken neck, a torn femoral artery causing massive bleeding, and a tracheal injury that prevented him from calling for help. Contrary to online speculation, the lions did not consume any part of his body.

Safari World Public Company released a statement on Sept. 10, expressing its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Veteran zookeeper, Jian Rangkasamee, 59 who was attacked by a group of lions at the open zoo in Bangkok.
Follow for the latest updates.#SafariWorld #wsn pic.twitter.com/IgocJNnQhq

— World Spotlight News (@WdSpotlightnews) September 11, 2025

Police are investigating why Jian violated safety protocols by exiting the vehicle. Preliminary footage shows him searching for something inside the car before stopping at the attack site. Toxicology results are pending.

Jian’s wife, Rattanaporn Jitprukdee, 57, described her husband as a patient, cautious animal lover who had worked at the zoo for decades and was nearing retirement. They had recently discussed plans to retire together to a small farm.

Elephants forced to walk across metal tightropes in Thailand tourist attraction

Thailand currently has 620 captive lions owned by 85 permit holders, including 75 zoos and 10 breeders. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of safety standards in wildlife tourism facilities.

-Thailand News (TN)