A man of 65 who was recalled from retirement to work for the Joburg Zoo has been killed by a lioness that got out of its enclosure.
The incident took place on Parys Zoo Farm in the Free State, where the zoo keeps animals that are not comfortable living in enclosed zoo camps, and for breeding.
Police spokesman Malesela Langa said Joe Ramanata was feeding the animals when the lioness attacked him on Monday.
Ramanata died on arrival at the Parys Hospital, he said.
The lioness had not escaped from the farm.
“What we know is that (Ramanata) was cleaning the area where the animals live and was feeding them when he was attacked,” Langa said.
“He was seriously injured and was taken to the Parys Hospital. Unfortunately, he could not be saved and died on arrival there.”
Ramanata was originally from Limpopo and had extensive experience working with the animals as he had worked for the zoo since the 1970s.
Zoo spokeswoman Louise Gordon said the incident probably occurred because of human error as it appeared that one of the enclosures was not locked.
The lionness had not escaped from Parys Zoo Farm as the lions were enclosed in a safe area, Gordon said.
“When (the lioness) came out there was no way she could escape as they are contained within an enclosure which is inside another court,” she said.
The staff were well trained to handle the animals.
Ramanata was experienced at his job as he had worked there for many years.
“That is why staff are so shocked because he was well known and had extensive experience in dealing with the animals,” Gordon said.
Police said they had opened an inquest docket on Ramanata’s death.
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