Oleg Zubkov, the proprietor of Taigan Safari Park in Russian-occupied Crimea, is currently battling for his life after a harrowing attack by a lion—the very same animal responsible for the fatal mauling of one of his staff members last year.
Renowned as the ‘lion whisperer’ for his close and fearless interactions with these majestic yet dangerous creatures, Zubkov’s latest ordeal underscores the ever-present peril inherent in working with apex predators.
The incident occurred at Taigan Safari Park, known as one of Europe’s largest lion breeding centers, housing around 60 African lions alongside other big cats and wild predators. Despite its size and prominence, the park has recently been shadowed by tragedy.
In October 2024, tragedy struck when 41-year-old employee Leokadiya Perevalova was fatally attacked by a lion after reportedly making a critical mistake—failing to secure a safety gate properly. Zubkov later explained, “Lions are top predators; they do not forgive errors.” The lion inflicted a fatal bite to her neck, leading to her untimely death.
Now, in a shocking turn, local news reports indicate that the same lion spared from euthanasia after Perevalova’s death has attacked Zubkov himself.
During a routine feeding within the enclosure, the 57-year-old park owner suffered severe injuries to his head, neck, and lungs. Emergency medical services quickly transported him to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Displaying remarkable bravery, 58-year-old employee Tatyana Aleksagina entered the enclosure in a buggy and threw a bucket at the lion, successfully forcing it to release Zubkov. “There was utter chaos… the lion was dragging him by the neck like a toy,” a witness recounted. “We yelled for her to stop, and when she tossed the bucket, the lion released him and fled.”
Further assistance came from a visitor who bravely descended a pipe into the enclosure to aid in the rescue. “Our friend Alexei jumped in, realizing Tatyana couldn’t pull him out alone. He dragged Oleg to the buggy, laid him down, and then quickly exited the enclosure,” the witness added.
Following his extraction, Zubkov was rushed to the hospital in a Mercedes ambulance, arriving unconscious. Surgeons undertook a complex operation on June 22 to address his life-threatening injuries.
A source close to the safari park revealed that medical staff are doing everything in their power to save Zubkov, describing the incident as a heartbreaking blow to his family. “This has come as a complete shock. We are all praying for Oleg’s recovery and strength during this incredibly difficult time,” the source said.
This devastating event highlights the inherent risks of working intimately with wild, unpredictable predators. Thanks to the quick thinking and courage of both staff and visitors, Zubkov’s life was saved. As he fights for recovery, countless supporters hold him and his family in their thoughts, hoping for a full return to health after this traumatic episode.