30.07.2025 14:48
Süleyman Kır, who was injured in the attack by a lion that escaped from an animal park in the Manavgat district of Antalya, stated that he and the lion were the only innocent ones in the incident. Kır emphasized the difficulty of the treatment process and the fear he experienced after the event.
After being treated for cuts in the ear area, as well as injuries to the face, body, and legs due to the attack of a lion named "Zeus," which escaped from the animal park in Manavgat, Antalya on the night of July 6, Süleyman Kır, who was discharged from the hospital, goes to the Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Department of Akdeniz University Hospital once a week for check-ups.
“HE IS HAVING DIFFICULTY STANDING”
53-year-old Kır, whose wounds have largely healed but is having difficulty standing due to a deep bite wound on his foot, told an AA reporter that he still has not gotten over the shock of the incident. Expressing that his treatment is ongoing due to his injuries, Kır said, “Our doctors are closely monitoring me. If I stand for too long, the large bite wound on my foot causes pain. Therefore, I generally spend my time resting at home.”
“WORKERS ARE AFRAID TO GO TO THE FIELD”
Kır pointed out that some citizens filmed the attacking lion closely with their mobile phones, saying, “It would have been better if they had sedated the lion instead of killing it. The only innocent ones in this incident are me and the lion. Those who are guilty should be punished. Those who built the place, granted the license, supervised, and rented it out should be investigated, and whoever is guilty should be found. May God not let any of His creatures, even animals, experience this pain. We went through a very difficult process.”
“AT NIGHT, I AM FIGHTING WITH A LION IN MY DREAM”
Kır, who stated that he could not find a worker to irrigate his field, said, “The land I farm is very close to the zoo. Workers are afraid to go to the field. Even my children are afraid. We are scared that it might escape again. We feel fear that something might happen to us at any moment, but the property is dear to us. My children had to irrigate the field. My wife is receiving psychiatric treatment. At night, I sometimes fight with a lion and sometimes with different animals in my dreams. They come into my dreams. It always comes to my mind.”
WHAT HAPPENED?
The lion named "Zeus," which escaped from the animal park near the D-400 highway in the Ilıca neighborhood of Manavgat on the night of July 6, attacked Süleyman Kır, who was working in his field, injuring him. The lion, which headed towards a wooded area, was neutralized. The animal park was sealed by the Manavgat Municipality's Zoning Directorate teams, and the owner of the business, who was taken into custody, was released under judicial control.