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A tragic incident at a private zoo in Parkent, Uzbekistan, has left a 44-year-old zookeeper, identified as F. Iriskulov, dead after he entered a lions' enclosure during his night shift. The zookeeper reportedly filmed his final moments, intending to impress his girlfriend.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. on December 17, when Iriskulov unlocked the padlock to the lions’ cage, recording himself as he approached the three African lions. Initially calm, the lions sat passively in the corner. The keeper called out to one of the lions, "Simba," and even petted one of the animals, demonstrating his apparent familiarity with them. However, moments later, one of the lions launched a sudden attack.
In the harrowing footage, Iriskulov can be heard screaming as the lions overpower him. Although the video goes dark, the chilling audio captures his desperate pleas for the animals to "be quiet." Tragically, reports indicate that the lions partially consumed the zookeeper, with his remains discovered by coworkers four hours later.
Emergency responders tranquilized two of the lions and fatally shot the third to secure the area. An official statement confirmed, "The lions killed him and partially consumed his body."
According to local media, Iriskulov had previously shared social media photos posing with a lion cub, showcasing his pride in working at the wildlife park. The zoo, which spans just over two acres, houses a variety of animals, including 10 adult African lions, five cubs, a cheetah, a brown bear, an eagle, and other mammals and birds.
The park, operational since June 2019, has faced scrutiny following the attack. Authorities launched an investigation, ensuring all enclosures were secure. "As a result of the measures taken, the lions were returned to a special cage. No other people in the vicinity were harmed. There is currently no danger to the local population," the Department of Internal Affairs stated.
This tragic incident has sparked debate over safety protocols in wildlife facilities and the potential risks of human-animal interactions. Netizens expressed shock and sorrow, with some questioning the zookeeper’s decision to enter the cage. "It’s a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictability of wild animals," one user commented.
