Shocked visitors were left frozen in fear as they saw a zookeeper being attacked and ‘eaten alive’ by several lions in a horrifying incident inside the park.
The terrifying event happened on Wednesday, September 10, when tourists could do nothing but watch as a group of lions charged at a zookeeper and mauled him to death in front of them.
Only moments after leaving his vehicle, the lions clawed at Jian and forced him down to the ground, pinning him beneath their heavy bodies.
Witnesses later recounted that the lions began tearing at his flesh during the gruesome assault, with disturbing photos showing Jian’s limbs sticking out helplessly from beneath the lions as they surrounded him.
Panic spread through the area as terrified visitors screamed, powerless to intervene while the attack unfolded before their eyes.
It soon became clear that Jian’s chances of survival were slim as the minutes dragged on and the attack continued.
Eventually, zoo workers armed themselves and entered the enclosure with guns, finally forcing the lions to retreat from Jian’s body.
Doctors reported that his body showed multiple broken bones and confirmed that the “majority of his flesh was damaged or missing,” leaving little doubt about the severity of the attack.
“Three or four other lions then joined in biting the zookeeper,” he explained, adding that at first he thought the animals might only have been playing, according to The New York Post.
In the aftermath, Safari World has kept the enclosure sealed off to the public while officials debate whether the lions involved should be euthanized.
Reports state that Jian had dedicated more than 30 years of his life to working with animals and had been employed at Safari World since 2019.
Colleagues also noted that strict rules are in place at the park, making it clear that neither staff members nor visitors are ever allowed to step outside of their vehicles while inside the enclosure due to safety concerns.
“Safari World would like to inform all visitors that Safari Park and Marine Park remain open as usual,” the statement confirmed.
“However, the Predator Zone (Lion/Tiger) will be temporarily closed for maintenance and animal safety measures.”
