BANGKOK — A zookeeper in Thailand was mauled to death by a group of lions, prompting officials to investigate the zoo’s possession of wild animals and safety rules.

The fatal attack Wednesday, which visitors recorded, occurred at Safari World, a popular private zoo in Bangkok that regularly offers lion-feeding shows.

Witnesses said at least three lions dragged the zookeeper to the ground and attacked him after he stepped out of his work vehicle in violation of safety regulations, according to the state-run Thai News Agency.

The victim, who was in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the hospital after his colleagues managed to pull him away from the lions, which reportedly mauled him for about 15 minutes, TNA said.

The dead staff member, who had worked with tigers and lions for over 20 years, was tasked with driving a pickup truck to help guide the animals within their designated areas, it added.

Wildlife officials have been dispatched to investigate whether the zoo legally possessed the lions and to evaluate the safety of the animal enclosures.

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/zookeeper-thailand-dies-attacked-lions-front-visitors-rcna230530