‘Don’t Trust a Wild Animal’: Lions Kill Bangkok Safari World Zookeeper

Tragedy at Safari World

On Wednesday, 10 September, a group of lions mauled a senior zookeeper to death at Safari World in Bangkok, shocking tourists who witnessed the attack. The lions carried out the fatal assault in the drive-through safari zone, where visitors must remain inside their vehicles at all times.

The victim, later identified as 58-year-old Jian Rangkharasamee, had worked at the zoo for nearly two decades. Police said he stepped out of his vehicle during routine duties when a lion crept up from behind and dragged him to the ground.

Within moments, three to four others joined the attack. Witnesses honked car horns and shouted in panic, but the lions would not let go.

“He was attacked while getting out of his car. The lions slowly approached, then pulled him down and started biting,” said Professor Thawatchai Kanjanarin, a doctor who witnessed the incident. “Many people saw what was happening but didn’t know how to help.”

Emergency Response Too Late

The mauling lasted for almost 15 minutes before fellow keeper Phanom Sitsaeng reached Jian and managed to drive the lions away. Jian was rushed to Intrarat Hospital but later died from his injuries.

His wife, Ratanaporn Jitpakdee, 57, said she was devastated. She said her husband was the breadwinner of their family.

Adding that he loved his job and had cared for lions and tigers for many years, she noted that he always took precautions to stay safe.

His younger brother, Surachai Rangkharasamee, described him as deeply experienced and dedicated. He claimed his brother had worked with lions for nearly 20 years.

Closure and Investigation Ordered

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) immediately ordered the closure of the safari zone until further notice. Director-general Atthapol Charoenchansa confirmed that officials are reviewing the zoo’s safety protocols and lion care conditions.

Photo Courtesy of TikTok Post by @/namezen21

Thailand has 223 registered lions, with strict regulations requiring proper handling and enclosure standards. Violators face up to one year in prison and fines of 100,000 baht.

Authorities are also checking the zoo’s lion possession licenses. Records show Safari World had permits for 45 lions, though 13 have died in recent years.

Zoo Issues Condolences

Safari World Plc issued a statement expressing “deepest condolences” to Jian’s family and pledged to provide full support. The company said it had never experienced an incident of this nature in its 40 years of operation, and that it would urgently review safety measures.

One staff emphasized that all visitors and staff are strictly prohibited from leaving their vehicles in predator zones. It added that safety is a priority and that stronger precautions will be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Lions to Undergo Behavioural Training

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced that the five lions involved will be confined for behavioural adjustment. Officials are conducting a full inspection of the zoo, reviewing cage strength, emergency response readiness, and staff training.

The Predator Zone will remain closed until all safety protocols are thoroughly implemented, while nationwide inspections of lion ownership are being enforced to prevent future incidents.

Shock and Warning

The horrific death has triggered widespread debate online about zoo safety and the unpredictable nature of wild animals. One social media user posted: “Don’t trust a wild animal, even domesticated animals sometimes turn against their keeper.”

For the thousands who witnessed Jian’s final moments, the shock remains raw. As Professor Thawatchai put it, “At first, people thought the lion was greeting him. By the time they realized, it was too late.”

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