In a tragic turn of events a worker at the Taigan wildlife park in Crimea lost her life after being attacked by lions. The incident took place on 16th Oct‚ 2024 when the employee entered a cage to clean it but failed to secure an internal door that wouldve kept the animals at bay.
The Taigan park located in Belogorsk (about 35 km east of Simferopol) is home to roughly 60 lions spread across its 30-hectare expanse. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures from elevated walkways that stretch for about 1 km allowing a unique up-close experience.
Russian authorities in Crimea – a peninsula that Russia took control of from Ukraine a decade ago – have started a criminal investigation into the incident. Theyʼre looking into possible negligence charges however its unclear whether the fault lies with the park management or the worker herself.
This unfortunate event highlights the risks associated with working in wildlife parks and the importance of strict safety protocols. It also brings attention to the broader geopolitical context of Crimea‚ which most countries still consider Ukrainian territory despite Russias unilateral annexation
The parks website boasts of its extensive lion population and visitor-friendly design but this incident raises questions about staff safety measures. While the park offers a rare opportunity to see lions roaming freely‚ it underscores the need for stringent security procedures to protect both visitors and employees