A ‘lion whisperer’ is in critical condition after being attacked by a lion that previously killed a colleague last year.
Taigan Safari Park, under the ownership of Oleg Zubkov in the Russian-controlled region of Crimea, is Europe’s largest site for the breeding of lions, other big cats, and predatory mammals. The park, home to approximately 60 African lions, has faced significant challenges over the past year.
Last year, park employee Leokadiya Perevalova, aged 41, was fatally mauled after making a ‘fatal error’ that led to the attack.
Zubkov explained that Perevalova neglected to close a safety gate in October 2024, which resulted in her being bitten fatally on the neck.
“Lions are the highest predators and they do not forgive mistakes,” Zubkov remarked at the time.
Recently, local news sources reported that the same lion, which was spared last year, attacked 57-year-old Zubkov while he was inside the enclosure during feeding time.
The park’s founder sustained severe injuries to his head, neck, and lungs, and is currently in a ‘crucial’ condition at the hospital.
Tatyana Aleksagina, aged 58 and a park employee, bravely drove a buggy close to the enclosure, throwing a bucket at the lion, which caused it to release Zubkov from its grip.
“There was terrible panic… the lion dragged the man by the neck like a toy,” a witness explained. “We shouted for her to come back, and she threw the bucket at the animal, which freed the man and ran away.”
A visitor to the safari park then climbed down a pipe into the enclosure to assist Zubkov.
The anonymous bystander added, “Our companion Alexei jumped into the enclosure, realising that she could not pull him away on her own. He dragged [Zubkov] to the buggy, laid him down and climbed back up out of danger.”
After being extracted from the enclosure, Zubkov was placed in a Mercedes and rushed to the hospital.
He was reportedly ‘unconscious’ upon arrival and underwent surgery on Sunday (June 22).
A source connected to the park mentioned that a ‘complex operation has been performed [and that] the doctors are doing everything possible and impossible’ to save him.
The source further stated, “It is very difficult for his family right now. It is such a shock, like a bolt from the blue. We are all praying for Oleg’s health and speedy recovery!”