Khan na yao: A renowned zoo has been directed to suspend its wild animal zone and submit a revised safety plan to the Department of National Parks within two days, following a fatal lion attack on a staff member. The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols in place and whether negligence played a role, as the lion had been raised by the victim since its youth.
According to Thai News Agency, representatives from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, led by Mr. Chalerm Phummai, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, and Mr. Sadudee Phanpakdee, Director of CITES, addressed the media after discussions with the private zoo located in the Khan Na Yao area. The talks followed a tragic incident where a lion attacked and killed a zookeeper.
Mr. Chalerm expressed the department's regret over the incident. After an inspection and discussions with the zoo, it was decided to temporarily suspend the wild animal safari zone. The zoo is tasked with reviewing and developing a safety plan for tourists, staff, and animals, which must be submitted to the department for consideration within two days.
The department has reviewed the zoo's 23 safety rules and identified areas needing improvement. This includes establishing protective barriers and reviewing the safe distance between animals, tourists, and staff. The current measure prohibits tourists from leaving their vehicles, but further measures will be considered to enhance safety.
The absence of CCTV cameras in the area where the incident occurred has been noted, and their potential implementation is under consideration. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, including why the officer left his vehicle.
Mr. Chalerm explained that lions inherently possess predatory instincts, and any unusual movement at a close distance could trigger a hunting response. The investigation seeks to determine if the victim's familiarity with the lion led to complacency, overlooking the animal's natural instincts.
The department conducts regular safety inspections of similar open zoos in Thailand. However, it plans to enhance safety protocols across all facilities to prevent future incidents involving wild animals.
Mr. Sadudee Panpakdee noted that the lion involved in the attack was over 20 years old, and the victim had raised it since it was young. While a thorough investigation is necessary to determine if carelessness contributed to the incident, Mr. Sadudee emphasized that all animals have instincts, capable of unpredictable behavior.
The absence of a buddy officer during the incident and whether the victim exited the vehicle to assist a colleague are under investigation. Mr. Sadudee acknowledged uncertainties surrounding why the officer left the vehicle, ruling out any signs of a suicide attempt.
Moving forward, the department will review the zoo's security measures, addressing any identified loopholes. If errors are discovered, the zoo must provide clarification. Mr. Sadudee confirmed that regulations would determine any potential suspension of zoo licenses, with all open zoos nationwide undergoing inspection. The implementation of CCTV cameras in safari zones will be pursued to enhance safety procedures.