A zookeeper in Uzbekistan tragically lost his life after being attacked and eaten by three lions he was attempting to recapture in a private zoo. The keeper, identified as F. Iriskulov, was recorded unlocking the lions’ enclosure during his night shift. Initially, the lions appeared calm, but suddenly turned aggressive, with one lion biting the man’s arm. Despite his pleas for quiet, the attack continued, leading to his demise.
Upon the discovery of Iriskulov’s remains the next morning, zoo workers found the lions roaming free. Two of the lions were tranquilized, while the third had to be euthanized. The zoo confirmed that the lions had killed and partially consumed the keeper.
This incident mirrors a similar tragedy in Thailand, where another zookeeper was attacked and killed by lions in front of horrified onlookers. Witnesses described how the lions pounced on the keeper as he exited his vehicle in an open enclosure, with the attack only ceasing when zoo officials intervened with firearms. Unfortunately, the zookeeper succumbed to his injuries before help could arrive.