Man reportedly mauled to death by lion after climbing into enclosure for a selfie

A man reportedly met a tragic end after he was mauled to death by a lion at a zoo in India. The incident unfolded at the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in Andhra Pradesh, where 38-year-old Prahlad Gujjar from Alwar, Rajasthan, climbed over a 25-ft tall fence in a bid to snap a selfie with the majestic beast.

Ignoring warnings from a caretaker to steer clear of the lion, Gujjar ventured into a restricted area of the zoo and leaped into the enclosure, ultimately meeting a grisly fate at the hands of Dongalpur the lion. The caretaker's efforts to intervene were in vain as the fatal attack unfolded swiftly.

"As soon as he jumped in, the lion attacked him. It was over in a matter of minutes," a zoo official recounted the harrowing incident, via the Daily Mail.

Investigations are underway, with authorities conducting a post-mortem examination to determine the circumstances surrounding Gujjar's death. Suspicions loom over whether Gujjar was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the ill-fated leap.

A man met a tragic end after he was mauled to death by a lion at a zoo in India. Credit: NurPhoto / Getty

With Gujjar visiting the zoo alone, authorities are endeavoring to reach out to his family to convey the heartbreaking news of his demise.

The Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, which houses three lions including Dongalpur, has taken precautionary measures following the tragedy. Dongalpur has been relocated to a secure cage and is under close observation in the aftermath of the fatal attack.

This chilling incident comes on the heels of another tragedy that befell a British woman in India just days prior. The 84-year-old woman, visiting Mamallapuram, southeast India, with her son, tragically drowned in the Bay of Bengal sea while they were at a coastal temple.

The incident unfolded at the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in Andhra Pradesh. Credit: Hindustan Times / Getty

Amid the serene backdrop of the coastal town, tragedy struck as strong tides swept the woman away from the beach, despite her son's valiant efforts to rescue her. Her lifeless body was discovered an hour later, casting a pall of sorrow over the idyllic coastal locale.

As authorities investigate both incidents, they underscore the importance of adhering to safety protocols and exercising caution, particularly in environments where risks abound. The tragic loss of life serves as a sobering reminder of the perils that lurk even in the most seemingly tranquil settings.

Featured image credit: NurPhoto / Getty