An experienced zoo worker died after he suffered a fatal attack by his zoo's farm lion in the central South African province of Free State, local police said on Tuesday.
The man, 63, had worked for nearly 40 years at the zoo's farm Rietkuil in the Vredefort area in Free State.
He was suddenly attacked by a female lion as he was either feeding or cleaning its cage at the farm several days ago, police said.?
A zoo spokesperson said all the workers were deeply shocked to learn of the tragedy describing him as a much-respected, experienced worker.
The spokesperson said there were strict measures in the zoo to prevent lions from harming any person, including animal feeders and cage cleaners.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??