A 53-year-old man was seriously injured after being attacked by a lion that escaped from a zoo in Manavgat, a popular resort city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, local media reported Sunday. The dramatic lion escape in Turkey led to an hours-long search before the animal was shot dead by authorities.
Early Morning Attack by Escaped Lion Zeus
The private Demiroren News Agency reported that the male lion, named Zeus, escaped his enclosure at Land of Lions in the early morning hours. A few hours later, Zeus attacked Suleyman Kir as he slept outdoors, triggering a terrifying struggle.
“I heard a whispering sound. When I lifted the blanket, the lion fell on me,” Kir told reporters. “We struggled and fought. I grabbed his neck and squeezed. At that moment, he ran off a little.”
Kir suffered serious wounds to his head and shoulder and was quickly hospitalized. His account revealed the frightening reality of unexpected animal attacks, raising concerns about zoo security measures.
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Search Teams Locate and Shoot Escaped Lion
Local police teams and drones were deployed to find the lion after the attack. The animal was eventually discovered near several hotels in the area and shot dead to prevent further danger, authorities confirmed.
Land of Lions Under Scrutiny After Escape
The Land of Lions zoo, which boasts on its website of housing the “world’s largest lion family” with more than 30 lions, along with tigers, bears, and wolves, did not comment on the incident.
Questions remain as to how Zeus managed to escape his enclosure. The incident has sparked calls for a review of zoo security protocols and better measures to protect both animals and the public.
Escaped Lion Incident Raises Safety Concerns
This escaped lion incident in Turkey highlights growing concerns about the safety of keeping large predators in captivity, especially in tourist-heavy regions like Manavgat. Animal welfare experts and local residents are urging stricter oversight of private zoos and wildlife parks to prevent future tragedies.
What Happens Next for Manavgat Zoo and Community
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding Zeus’s escape, including potential negligence or lapses in the zoo’s containment systems. The community remains on edge following the attack, with calls for transparency and swift action to ensure such a lion escape in Turkey does not happen again.
