Bangkok: The Superintendent of Khan Na Yao Police Station and the Zoo Manager have inspected the scene where a staff member, Mr. Jian, was attacked by a lion. Mr. Jian, who was approximately 50 years old, had been working with tigers and lions for two decades and was known for his familiarity with the animals. The cause of his death remains under investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jian was taken to Inthararak Hospital in serious condition after losing a significant amount of blood and later succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was responsible for overseeing the tiger and lion area at the zoo, rather than feeding them. He also drove the zoo's distinctive black and white striped high-rise pickup truck, which was used to ensure the safety of tourists by keeping the animals within their designated zones. The circumstances leading to Mr. Jian leaving his vehicle and subsequently being mauled by the lions are still unclear, and an investigation is ongoing to establish the facts.
Despite the incident, both Thai and international tourists continued to visit the zoo. Officers from the Khan Na Yao Police Station, along with officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the CITES Wildlife and Plant Conservation Division, have arrived at the zoo to conduct inspections.
Mr. Sadudee Panpakdee, Director of the Wildlife and Plant Protection Division under CITES, visited the zoo and informed the media that officials conduct regular monthly inspections of the zoo, including the care of the 32 lions housed there. A fellow zookeeper expressed shock at the incident, describing the lion involved as typically ferocious but usually fearful of the officers. The deceased, Mr. Jian, was regarded as one of the most experienced staff members working with lions.