News

Runaway Lion from Zoo Shot Dead in Turkey After Attacking Sleeping Farmer

An escaped lion from a private zoo in southern Turkey was shot dead by authorities after it attacked a farmer in the early hours of Sunday, triggering alarm and a major search operation.

 

The incident occurred in the Manavgat district of Antalya province, a popular Mediterranean tourist region. The lion, named Zeus, reportedly escaped from the “Land of Lions” zoo under unclear circumstances and attacked a 53-year-old pistachio farmer, Süleyman Kir, who was sleeping outdoors after irrigating his farmland.

 

Kir was abruptly woken when the lion pounced on him. In a desperate struggle for survival, he fought the animal off by grabbing it around the neck. Despite managing to escape with his life, he suffered severe injuries to his head, shoulder, and legs. He is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment.

 

Police, backed by drone surveillance and wildlife officers, launched an immediate manhunt for the lion after the attack. Initial warning shots failed to deter the animal. Hours later, the lion was located in nearby scrubland and fatally shot to prevent further danger to residents.

 

The zoo, which houses over 30 animals including lions, tigers, bears, and wolves, is now under investigation. Authorities are probing how Zeus managed to escape and whether safety protocols were violated.

 

The incident has reignited public debate around the security of wildlife enclosures and the ethical concerns of keeping large predators in captivity near residential or agricultural areas.

Rachel Akper

Rachel Akper

About Author

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like

Foreign News News

Police Arrest Murder Suspect In Lagos, Recover Exhibits

  • February 10, 2025
Police Arrest Murder Suspect In Lagos, Recover Exhibits The spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Muyiwa Adejobi said Okeke
Foreign News News

Falana Sues Meta, Seeks $5m For Invasion Of Privacy

  • February 10, 2025
Falana, through his lawyer, Olumide Babalola, accused Meta of publishing motion images and voice captioned, “AfriCare Health Center,” on their