A zookeeper tragically lost his life after attempting to enter a lion’s cage to create a video, intending to impress his fiancée with his daring stunt.

The incident occurred on December 17, 2024, at the private Lion Park zoo in the Parkent district, located near Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 44-year-old zookeeper, F. Iriskulov, was working the night shift when he had the sudden idea of entering the lion enclosure to film a video. According to reports, he intended to show his fiancée that he was brave and fearless by engaging with the lions.

In a disturbing video that surfaced shortly after the incident, Iriskulov can be seen unlocking the lion’s cage and stepping inside, casually talking to three African lions. Unfortunately, what he did not anticipate was the violent nature of the animals. Within moments of entering, Iriskulov was attacked by the lions. Authorities confirmed that a portion of his body had been consumed by the animals during the attack.

Zoo officials responded quickly to the tragedy, stating that the lion responsible for the fatal attack was shot and killed shortly after. The other two lions, reportedly frightened by the incident, managed to escape the enclosure after the door was left unlocked. The escaped lions were later found and contained.

F. Iriskulov, a seasoned lion trainer, was well-known at the Lion Park for his expertise and experience working with the big cats. While he had a wealth of knowledge about handling lions, this tragic event highlights the unpredictable and dangerous nature of wild animals, even for those who are professionals in the field.

Local authorities are investigating the incident, but it is already clear that the zoo’s security measures were compromised, leading to the deadly attack. Experts emphasize that, regardless of experience, humans are no match for the strength and instincts of wild animals like lions, which can be unpredictable, especially in confined spaces.

This incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of close interactions with wild animals and the devastating consequences that can arise from trying to engage with them in risky, attention-seeking stunts. While the intention to impress may have been innocent, the consequences were tragic for Iriskulov and his family.