Girl Attacked by Lions at Chinese Zoo Sparks Safety Concerns

A ten-year-classic girl was injured after being attacked by two lions at Shantou Zhongshan Park Zoo in Guangdong, China, on February 26, 2026. The incident, which was captured on video, has raised serious questions about safety protocols at the zoo and the risks associated with close encounters with captive wildlife.

The Incident

The girl was participating in a feeding session when a lioness reached through the bars of the enclosure and grabbed her leg. Footage shows the lioness holding the girl for approximately thirty seconds while a zookeeper desperately attempted to free her using a metal rod. Another lion also attempted to reach through the bars during the struggle. The New York Post and The Daily Mail both reported on the harrowing event.

Injuries and Aftermath

The girl sustained minor abrasions to her leg and was hospitalized for treatment, including a rabies vaccination, before being discharged the same evening. World Animal Protection reported these details.

The zookeeper who took the girl into the restricted area has been suspended pending an investigation. Zoo officials believe the attack occurred because the girl was holding meat. The zoo has been temporarily closed while authorities review safety protocols and investigate management failures.

Concerns About Wildlife Tourism Safety

This incident highlights the inherent dangers of allowing close contact between the public and wild animals, even in captive settings. Lions, despite being in captivity, retain their natural predatory instincts. World Animal Protection emphasizes that facilities offering feeding sessions and photo opportunities with wildlife create both welfare and safety hazards for both animals and humans.

The organization notes that wild animals experience stress in confined spaces and that promoting close contact increases the likelihood of unpredictable and harmful behavior.

Previous Incidents and Calls for Safer Practices

This is not an isolated incident. Similar events have occurred in the past, fueling a growing call for stricter regulations and safer, more ethical wildlife tourism practices. World Animal Protection advocates for moving away from entertainment-focused interactions with wild animals and prioritizing their welfare and public safety.

Key Takeaways

• A 10-year-old girl was injured by lions at Shantou Zhongshan Park Zoo in China.
• The incident occurred during a feeding session in a restricted area.
• The girl sustained minor injuries and has been discharged from the hospital.
• The incident raises serious concerns about the safety of wildlife tourism and the welfare of captive animals.
• The zookeeper involved has been suspended pending investigation.