15.03.2026 02:00
An incident at a zoo in China has brought the safety of visitors and the practices of animal contact back into focus. A 10-year-old girl who entered the feeding area of the lions was grabbed by a predator through the bars of the cage. In the event that caused great panic, the little girl was rescued by the intervention of the staff, and an investigation was launched into the zoo following the incident.
An incident at a zoo in China has reopened discussions about security measures. At a zoo in Guangdong province, a 10-year-old girl who entered the area designated for feeding lions was suddenly attacked by a lion that reached out from its cage.
CLOSED AREA FOR VISITORS
The incident occurred at the Shantou Zhongshan Park Zoo. According to reports, the child was allowed into the animal feeding area, which is normally closed to visitors and only accessible to certain age groups, with the permission of a staff member. A female lion, noticing the food in the girl's hand, reached through the cage bars, grabbed the child's leg, and began pulling her towards itself.
In the footage, the girl can be seen screaming while an animal caretaker attempts to pull her to safety. After about 30 seconds of panic, the staff member managed to drive the lion away using a metal rod, and the child was rescued from the cage.
ESCAPED WITH MINOR INJURIES
The girl sustained only minor scrapes and scratches on her leg during the attack. She was taken to the hospital and discharged the same day after receiving a rabies vaccine.
ZOOS CLOSED
Following the incident, an investigation was launched into the zoo management. Authorities stated that allowing an underage child into the feeding area constitutes a serious security violation. It was announced that the responsible staff member was suspended from duty and the facility was temporarily closed for a security review.
Experts emphasize that direct contact with visitors in areas where wild animals are present poses serious risks and that similar practices need to be reevaluated.