TIRUPATI, India – A tragic incident unfolded at the Sri Venkateswara zoological park in Tirupati, India, when a man lost his life after climbing into a lion enclosure, presumably to take a selfie. The man, identified as Prahalad Gurjar, 34, ignored warnings from a zoo employee and scaled a wall and chain-link fencing into the enclosure, where he was subsequently mauled to death by the lion.
According to reports, the animal attacked Gurjar immediately upon seeing him inside the enclosure, despite efforts by the animal keeper and security staff to rescue him. The 12-year-old lion was eventually detained in its nighthouse while authorities recovered Gurjar’s body.
The incident highlighted the dangers of disregarding safety warnings and enclosures at zoological parks. Additionally, it was reported that Gurjar appeared to be under the influence of alcohol before entering the enclosure, emphasizing the potentially fatal consequences of impaired judgment.
The zoo announced that it would conduct a security review to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, emphasizing the priority of visitor safety. This tragedy has been identified as the first of its kind at the Sri Venkateswara zoological park, prompting a reevaluation of safety measures and protocols to safeguard against future accidents.
Prahalad Gurjar’s demise serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of respecting animals’ natural habitats and obeying safety regulations at zoological facilities. The victim’s origins from the Alwar District in northern India shed light on the personal impact of this unfortunate event.
As the community mourns this tragic loss, it serves as a stark warning about the perils of irresponsible behavior around wildlife, especially in restricted areas. The heartbreaking outcome underscores the need for vigilance and caution when interacting with wild animals in captivity.