Zookeeper Killed at Crimean Taigan Safari Park

A tragic incident occurred at Taigan Safari Park in Crimea, where chief zookeeper Leokadia Perevalova was mauled to death by lions after failing to lock a protective door while cleaning their cage. The Taigan Park, one of Europe's largest big-cat parks, houses around 60 lions and is located in the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula, which most countries do not recognize as Russian territory. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal investigation into potential negligence, though it remains unclear whether the fault lies with the worker or the park management. Oleg Zubkov, the park's owner, described the incident as a 'tragic' mistake and praised Perevalova as a dedicated employee. This is not the first time the park has faced scrutiny over safety concerns, as previous incidents have also raised questions about its safety protocols. The park, a popular tourist attraction for its elevated walkways that allow visitors to observe lions, has been embroiled in numerous legal cases since Russia's annexation of Crimea.