Oleg Zubkov, the 57-year-old owner of Taigan Safari Park in Crimea and known as the “lion whisperer,” is in critical condition after being mauled by a lion during feeding time. He suffered severe injuries to his head, neck, and lungs and underwent emergency surgery.
The lion involved was reportedly the same animal that fatally attacked park employee Leokadiya Perevalova in 2024. Witnesses said the lion dragged Zubkov by the neck before park worker Tatyana Aleksagina bravely distracted the animal, allowing visitors and staff to rescue him.
Zubkov was rushed to hospital unconscious, where doctors continue fighting to save his life.