Two lions at a zoo in Chile were killed after they attacked a naked man who jumped into their enclosure in an apparent suicide attempt. The 20-year-old man climbed a fence at the zoo in the capital Santiago and leapt into the lion pen, according to local reports.
The animals then attacked him causing serious injuries. Staff were forced to intervene and took the decision to shoot dead two of the lions, a male and a female. The man was then rushed to hospital where he is said to be in a serious condition. A suicide note was reportedly found in the young man's clothes.
The animals then attacked him causing serious injuries. Staff were forced to intervene and took the decision to shoot dead two of the lions, a male and a female. The man was then rushed to hospital where he is said to be in a serious condition. A suicide note was reportedly found in the young man's clothes.
The lions had been bred in captivity and were around 22
years old, it is believed. A suicide note was reportedly found in the
young man's clothes.
The zoo's director Alejandra Montalva said: "A marksman decided to save the person's life and sadly we took the decision to sacrifice two members of our family.... We're very hurt and very saddened."