A man in South Africa was mauled to death by his captive lions on Tuesday, CNN reported.
Local reports identified the victim as Leon van Biljon, and South African news website Netwerk24 reported that he was killed at the Mahala View Lion Lodge near the town of Cullinan.
{mosads}The lodge described van Biljon’s role as giving “exclusive lion lectures, feedings and game drives for guests.”
The three lions — Rambo, Katryn and Nakita — were kept on the property, which provides accommodation, game drives and conference facilities for visitors, according to the lodge’s website.
Cullinan Police spokeswoman Connie Moganedi confirmed to CNN that a 70-year-old man was killed by caged lions on Tuesday.
“The neighbors from the nearby lodges responded and tried to help the victim but unfortunately the victim succumbed to injuries. The animals have been put down,” she said.
Between 6,000 and 8,000 lions are bred and held in more than 200 facilities in South Africa, according to CNN.