Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On the morning of 17 December, three lions from a zoo attacked a 44-year-old staff member, causing fatal injuries.

According to the press service of the General Prosecutor's Office, the incident occurred at Lion Park, located in the village of Krasnogorsk, Parkent district, Tashkent region.

The attack happened around 5 a.m. when the lions escaped from their cage through an unlocked door. The victim, a zookeeper attempting to return the animals to their enclosure, was mauled and partially eaten by the lions.

The incident became known around 9 a.m., when zoo staff discovered the aftermath of the attack.

Tranquilizers were used to return the lions to their cages, but one of the predators had to be shot by a hunter brought to the scene.

The park administration immediately reported the incident to the relevant authorities. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and environmental authorities arrived at the scene. The remains of the deceased were sent for examination, and all animals were accounted for and returned to their enclosures.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 257 of the Criminal Code — violation of labor protection rules. The case has been transferred to law enforcement for further investigation.

Lion Park, the first contact zoo in Uzbekistan, was opened in May 2019. The park is home to various animals, including a brown bear, eagles, 10 adult African lions, and five lion cubs.