A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday at the Sri Venkateswara Zoo in Tirupati, where a 38-year-old man from Rajasthan was mauled to death by an eight-year-old lion.
Ignoring Warnings, Entering Danger:
Identified as Prahlad Gujjar, the man reportedly entered the restricted area of the lion enclosure around 4pm. Despite warnings from an animal keeper, he tragically scaled the fence and jumped in.
Deadly Encounter:
The male lion, currently on display, unfortunately attacked Gujjar, resulting in his death. Though the man’s body remained intact, neck injuries confirmed the cause of death.
Efforts to Help, Investigation Underway:
Zoo staff attempted to intervene but were unable to prevent the attack. The lion was secured in the night house while police arrived to investigate.
Identifying the Victim:
Gujjar’s belongings, including his Aadhaar card, were found within the enclosure, facilitating contacting his family. However, his phone remains missing.
Authorities Taking Action:
The zoo informed the police, and a case was registered regarding the incident. The man’s body will undergo a post-mortem examination.
A Reminder of Importance of Safety:
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following safety regulations at zoos and respecting restricted areas. It also highlights the potential dangers of interacting with wild animals, even at seemingly safe distances.
