A worker at a wildlife park in Crimea died on Wednesday following a lion attack, officials reported. The Russian Investigative Committee’s office in the Russia-annexed peninsula stated that the tragic event transpired at the Taigan park, located in Belogorsk, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) east of the Crimean capital, Simferopol. The incident occurred as the worker entered a cage housing three lions for cleaning purposes. Unfortunately, the worker neglected to secure an internal door that would have provided a barrier between herself and the lions, leading to the fatal attack.
The Taigan park, known for its expansive layout, features over 60 lions spread across more than 30 hectares (75 acres). Visitors to the park can observe the majestic creatures from about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) of elevated walkways, allowing a unique view of the lions roaming freely within the enclosure.
In response to the incident, the investigative committee has initiated a criminal case to explore potential negligence. However, details remain unclear as to whether the negligence can be attributed to the park’s management or the victim herself. Russia unilaterally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, a move not internationally recognized, adding a layer of complexity to the jurisdictional and regulatory oversight of the park.