A man in India lost his life after being attacked by a lion while trying to take a selfie with the animal at Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park. Prahlad Gujjar, a 38-year-old driver from Rajasthan, was visiting the zoo alone when he decided to enter the no-entry area near the lion’s enclosure.

Gujjar scaled a 1.2-meter-tall safety wall and a 1.8-meter-tall fence to get into the enclosure despite a zookeeper’s warnings. According to the Times of India, Gujjar seemed intoxicated and attempted to take a selfie with the 12-year-old lion named Dongalpur. The lion attacked Gujjar, dragging him to a corner of the enclosure and killing him within 10 minutes.

Zoo officials moved Dongalpur to a cage and retrieved Gujjar’s badly injured body. The Daily Mail reported that authorities are investigating whether Gujjar was inebriated during the incident. Gujjar’s family has been informed of his death.

Gujjar’s body was sent to a government hospital for a post-mortem examination, and it is believed that he died from excessive bleeding. Zoo curator C Selvam said that the zoo would review and enhance security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of ignoring safety precautions and the risks of attempting to get too close to wild animals, even in a zoo setting.

The incident has sparked a debate on the importance of safety measures in zoos and the need for increased awareness among visitors regarding the dangers of approaching wild animals. While zoos play an essential role in conservation efforts, they also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of both their animals and visitors.

Zoo officials have expressed their condolences to Gujjar’s family and have assured the public that they will conduct a thorough review of the zoo’s security measures. They have also emphasized the importance of following rules and regulations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of technology in promoting unsafe behavior. With the increasing popularity of selfies and social media, there has been a rise in dangerous behavior, including people putting themselves in harm’s way to get a perfect shot. Zoo officials have urged visitors to prioritize safety over taking risks for the sake of a photo.

In addition to the zoo’s review of security measures, authorities are also investigating Gujjar’s actions leading up to the incident. If it is found that Gujjar was intoxicated, it could lead to further consequences.

The tragic death of Prahlad Gujjar serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting boundaries and following safety guidelines when visiting zoos or any other place where wild animals are present. It is crucial to prioritize safety and appreciate wild animals from a safe distance.

Is this conversation helpful so far?