Oleg Zubkov, the renowned lion handler and owner of Taigan Safari Park in Russian-occupied Crimea, is in critical condition after being mauled by a lion he had previously worked with. The 57-year-old, often referred to as the “lion whisperer,” sustained severe injuries to his head, neck, and lungs during a feeding session inside the lion’s enclosure. This tragic incident follows a similar attack last year, where the same lion fatally attacked a park employee, raising serious questions about safety protocols at the park.
A Dangerous Encounter
Zubkov was reportedly inside the enclosure with the lion when the attack occurred on June 22, 2025. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the lion dragged Zubkov by the neck like a “toy.” Quick-thinking park worker Tatyana Aleksagina bravely intervened, driving into the enclosure in a buggy and throwing a bucket at the lion to distract it. This allowed the lion to release Zubkov, who was then helped by a visitor, Alexei, who climbed into the enclosure and dragged him to safety.
Zubkov was immediately rushed to the hospital, unconscious, where doctors performed emergency surgery. Despite their efforts, his condition remains critical.
Stock image of lion. Credit / Shutterstock
A History of Safety Concerns
Taigan Safari Park, one of Europe’s largest big cat sanctuaries, is home to around 60 African lions. It has been a popular tourist attraction, but it has also faced increasing scrutiny following a series of safety incidents. Last year, park employee Leokadiya Perevalova was tragically killed by the same lion that attacked Zubkov. Perevalova had made a “fatal error” by failing to close a safety gate properly, which led to the lion attacking her in the neck. Zubkov had previously commented on the incident, saying, “Lions are apex predators—they don’t forgive mistakes.”
Following that tragedy, the lion responsible was spared from euthanasia, which many now question in light of the recent attack on Zubkov. The park’s safety measures and the decision to keep the lion have come under intense scrutiny, with some arguing that the animal should have been removed after the first fatal incident.
Growing Concerns About Safety Protocols
This latest attack has reignited concerns about the safety protocols in place at Taigan Safari Park. While the park continues to operate as a popular tourist destination, questions are being raised about whether proper precautions are being taken to protect both the staff and visitors. With two brutal attacks attributed to the same lion, many are asking why it wasn’t removed after the first incident, and whether stricter safety measures should be implemented to prevent further tragedies.
As Zubkov fights for his life, his family and friends are left in shock, with many hoping for his recovery. A source close to the park shared, “The doctors are doing everything possible, and impossible, to save him. It’s a huge shock to his family and to all of us who know him. We’re praying for his recovery.”
Credit: X.com
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the inherent risks involved in working with wild animals and the need for careful consideration of safety in environments like safari parks.
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As investigations continue into the attack, the incident underscores the need for rigorous safety protocols in places where humans interact with dangerous animals. The future of Taigan Safari Park remains uncertain as the public and authorities demand answers about the safety measures in place to prevent further incidents.
