• A zookeeper was killed by lions at Safari World in Bangkok, raising safety concerns.
• The park's predator zone is temporarily closed as inspections take place.
• The five lions involved will be retrained and closely monitored by wildlife officials.
• Animal welfare organizations demand stricter regulations on wildlife ownership in Thailand.
• Safari World has a controversial history with animal treatment, including staged shows.

A tragic incident occurred at Safari World Bangkok when a 58-year-old zookeeper, Jian Rangkharasamee, was mauled to death by a pack of lions after stepping out of his vehicle. Witnesses reported that he turned his back on the lions, triggering an instinctual attack from at least six animals, leading to severe injuries, including a broken neck and multiple deep lacerations. This attack has prompted serious scrutiny regarding the park's safety and animal treatment practices, according to SCMP and CBS News.

In response to the attack, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has temporarily closed the park's predator zone and ordered the caging and retraining of the five lions involved, stating that their behavior must be carefully monitored and modified. This review of safety protocols extends beyond Safari World, aiming to inspect other facilities housing predatory animals across Thailand, as the blame shifts towards insufficient safety measures at the park, according to Bangkok Post and Channel News Asia.

Investigations revealed that Safari World's license had expired, and inspections uncovered various safety failures, including damaged fences and inadequate warning signs. This has led to demands for stricter regulations on animal ownership in Thailand, with conservationists arguing that these issues highlight broader ethical concerns regarding the treatment of wild animals in captivity. Edwin Wiek of the Wildlife Friends Foundation highlighted the dangers of allowing private ownership of wild animals, stating that "if this incident can happen at a zoo with safety guidelines, imagine what could happen in someone's backyard," according to SCMP and CBS News.

Amid the ongoing investigation and calls for reform, the park has reiterated its commitment to safety, emphasizing that staff must not leave vehicles in predator zones. Nonetheless, the fatality marks a significant incident in the park's history, which has been plagued by controversy over its treatment of wildlife, including accusations of exploitation in entertainment shows involving orangutans and elephants. This has further intensified the debate about animal welfare in entertainment across Thailand, as the country grapples with balancing tourism and conservation, according to Bangkok Post, Channel News Asia, and CBS News.