The incident took place at private zoo Lion Park in Parkent, Uzbekistan
Warning:This article contains graphic description, images and video which some readers may find distressing
A zookeeper tragically lost his life after attempting to impress his girlfriend by entering a lion’s cage and recording the moment on camera. The horrifying incident occurred on December 17 at the private Lion Park in Parkent, Uzbekistan.
The zookeeper, identified as F Iriskulov, was on his night shift when he decided to enter a locked area where three lions were kept. In an attempt to impress his girlfriend, he filmed himself unlocking the padlocked gate and entering the enclosure. The footage shows him walking into the courtyard where the lions were housed. Initially, the big cats seemed uninterested in his presence, but as he called out to one of the lions, named Simba, the situation quickly turned dangerous.
Iriskulov, trying to calm the lions, repeatedly told them, “Simba, be quiet,” but the animals began moving closer. As the lions advanced, his voice, once calm, quickly shifted to panic-stricken shouts. The footage abruptly cuts off, and it was later reported that two of the lions were tranquilized, while the third was shot and killed by zoo officials.
By the time help arrived, Iriskulov had already succumbed to his injuries. The lions had attacked him and “partially consumed the body,” according to the official statement. Regional police confirmed the tragic event, stating that the three lions had escaped their cage and attacked Iriskulov, who was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
A Preventable Tragedy
The incident highlights the extreme dangers faced by zookeepers who work with wild animals. Despite years of experience handling lions, Iriskulov’s actions proved fatal. His decision to enter the lion enclosure while filming was both reckless and ill-advised. It was reported that he intended to send the video to his girlfriend, likely believing it would impress her, but tragically, it ended in his death.
Zookeepers who work with dangerous wildlife face daily risks, but most follow strict safety protocols to protect themselves. In this case, it appears Iriskulov ignored those guidelines, putting both himself and the lions in an incredibly dangerous situation. The fact that he was attempting to film the event for personal reasons, rather than as part of his job, shows a lapse in judgment that ultimately led to disaster.
Previous Zookeeper Fatalities
This isn’t the first time a zookeeper has been killed during an interaction with lions. In September 2024, another zookeeper, Babaji Daule, died after being mauled by lions while performing a feeding demonstration at Nigeria’s Presidential Library Wildlife Park. Daule, an experienced lion handler, sustained fatal injuries to his neck and was pronounced dead on the spot.
Both of these tragic incidents underscore the inherent risks of working with wild animals and the need for strict safety protocols, particularly in environments like zoos and wildlife parks where large carnivores are kept. Iriskulov’s death is a stark reminder of the importance of safety and respect for these powerful creatures.
While wild animal encounters can sometimes be awe-inspiring for those who work closely with them, they can also turn deadly when caution is thrown aside. Zookeepers must remember that no matter how familiar they are with the animals, they are still unpredictable wild creatures. Iriskulov’s tragic fate serves as a painful reminder to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both the animals and the people working with them.