A keeper was mauled to death by lions at Safari World zoo in Bangkok on Wednesday morning in front of horrified visitors, and the drive-in zone was later ordered closed until further notice.

The drive-in zone would remain closed until visitors’ safety could be ensured, said Attapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of Wildlife.

The keeper was attacked from behind and mauled by a lion in the drive-through zone after he got out of his vehicle. Visitors in their cars watched in horror as several other lions rushed in and joined the attack.

The lions mauled the man for about 15 minutes before another keeper could reach him and pull him to safety. He was rushed to hospital where he died from his injuries.

Mr Attapol said the attack reportedly occurred while the lions were feeding. “It is assumed that one of them was not in a good mood and started the attack,” he said.

Officials are preparing to check the lion possession licences and records of the zoo. According to official records, the zoo had licences to possess 45 lions, 13 of which had died.

Police from the Khannayao station identified the victim as Jian Rangkharasamee, a 58-year-old supervisor at the zoo.

His rescuer was identified as Phanom Sitsaeng, who sent Mr Jian to Intrarat Hospital.

Mr Jian was responsible for supervising animals in the area. He was attacked after he left his vehicle and left the door open, police said.

Visitors to the park are warned to always remain in their cars when in the drive-through zone.

Ratanaporn Jitpakdee, 57-year-old wife of the late keeper, said she was shocked by the loss of her husband, who was the family breadwinner and loved his job very much.

She said her husband had cared for lions and tigers at the zoo for a long time. He had always taken precautions, had never been attacked by any animal there, she said.

Surachai Rangkharasamee, a younger brother of the victim, said Jian had worked in the lion and tiger zones of the zoo for nearly 20 years.

Safari World Plc issued a statement extending its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late employee and promised to take the best care of the family.

The company said that all lions and other animals of all kinds at the zoo were in normal condition and were under the close supervision of experts.

The company said that such an incident had never happened in the four decades it has been in business. It said it prioritised the safety of all visitors and employees and seriously warned them not to get out of their vehicles in the zoo, especially in zones where predatory animals roamed.

The company said it would quickly review and strengthen safety measures as needed to prevent such an incident from recurring.