BANGKOK — Safari World’s Predator Zone has been temporarily closed following a deadly lion mauling that killed a zookeeper, with authorities citing widespread safety violations and substandard animal welfare conditions.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ordered the immediate closure on September 12, 2025 after an urgent inspection revealed the park’s safety standards were 80% below acceptable levels.
Fatal Attack Details
A pack of five lions—Trump, Bite, Aon, Ai, and Yao—attacked and killed their caretaker in what officials are calling a preventable tragedy. The approximately 10-year-old lions, led by male lion Trump, are now being held in separate enclosures while experts evaluate their behavior.
If the lions cannot be rehabilitated, they will be relocated to the company’s Prachinburi facility and replaced with new animals.
Systemic Safety Failures
Department Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa’s inspection team uncovered 23 critical deficiencies that must be corrected within 30 days, including:
- Damaged fencing systems with multiple breaches in the 3-meter double-barrier design
- Inadequate warning signage particularly in English
- Missing security cameras in blind spots
- Unstaffed gate control posts during critical hours
- Poorly equipped staff vehicles lacking protective barriers
- Animal Welfare Crisis Inspectors found disturbing conditions throughout the facility:
- Lion enclosures plagued by flooding, poor ventilation, and inadequate lighting
- Tiger cubs suffering from skin infections caused by unsanitary, humid conditions
- Substandard living conditions across multiple animal habitats
- Immediate Actions Required The park must implement emergency protocols
License at Risk
The facility faces an uncertain future as authorities review whether to renew license permits. The park has 30 days to address all violations or risk permanent closure of its predator attractions.
_____
