Pictures courtesy of Workpoint

 

Safari World has temporarily closed its dangerous animal zone following a fatal lion attack on a staff member on 10 September 2025. Authorities from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) identified 23 safety and welfare violations during an inspection on 11 September. Five lions involved in the attack have been confined to temporary cages for close observation.

 

The lions, named Trump, Bite, On, Ai and Yao, are all around 10 years old and were part of a seven-lion group. The incident occurred when the animals attacked a staff member responsible for their care. Preliminary inspections also found issues with five out of six cages for lions and tigers, including waterlogging, slippery floors, poor ventilation, rusted wires and inadequate lighting.

 

DNP officials highlighted structural and security shortcomings, such as damaged double-layer fences, weak locks and insufficient signage in English. They recommended repairs to fences, the installation of CCTV at blind spots and stronger protocols for staff safety, including buddy systems, protective equipment and enhanced vehicle safety features. They also noted problems with animal welfare, including skin infections in tiger cubs and unsafe flooring for lions.

 

In response, DNP ordered Safari World to improve all 23 identified deficiencies within 30 days before reopening the dangerous animal zone. The department also instructed the zoo to review and update emergency response plans and conduct regular staff training and drills. Officials warned that if the five lions could not be rehabilitated, they may be relocated to a facility in Prachinburi and replaced with a new group.

 

DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa emphasised that the incident reflected procedural lapses and a lack of adherence to safety measures. He stated that Thailand’s five open zoos displaying dangerous animals, including locations in Bangkok, Chonburi, Kanchanaburi, and Phuket, will undergo nationwide safety and welfare audits. The department aims to ensure all zoos meet international standards for visitor safety and animal welfare.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Safari World has closed its dangerous animal zone after a lion attack killed a staff member.

• Five lions involved in the attack are confined for behavioural observation and may be relocated.

• Authorities have mandated 23 safety and welfare improvements within 30 days before reopening.

 

Related stories:

 

Lions-kill-zoo-staff-in-fatal-bangkok-attack

 

Police-summon-foreign-tourist-over-night-time-intrusion-at-zoo

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpointnews 2025-09-13

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) identified 23 safety and welfare violations during an inspection on 11 September.

There we have it. Just lock up the animals for display, and then neglect their welfare as well as safety for both employees and visitors. Disgusting!