(Web Desk) - Stunned tourists watched in horror as a zookeeper was dragged to the ground and eaten alive by a pride of lions in Thailand.
The gruesome attack happened at Safari World Bangkok when 58-year-old Jian Rangkharasamee stepped out of his jeep in the lion enclosure.
Witnesses said a lion crept up from behind before pouncing on him – with several others quickly joining in.
Visitors honked their car horns and shouted in a desperate attempt to scare off the beasts, but the big cats mauled Rangkharasamee to death as families looked on in horror.
Professor Tavatchai Kanchanarin, doctor at a leading hospital, saw the tragedy unfold at around 11am on Wednesday. He said: "The lion attacked the zookeeper while he was getting out of his car.
"It was about 10 metres away, then slowly approached and grabbed the zookeeper from behind, dragging him to the ground and biting him.
"Three or four other lions then joined in with biting the zookeeper.
"Many people witnessed the incident but didn't know how to help. They honked their own car horns and shouted for help."
He added the ordeal lasted around 15 minutes before staff managed to reach the victim.
Rangkharasamee – a veteran keeper who had worked with lions for nearly 30 years – was rushed to Intrarat Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival, according to Nation Thailand.
Police believe the zookeeper broke strict safety protocols by leaving his vehicle.