According to initial reports, the man reportedly climbed over the fence of the reserve, which houses animals that previously performed in circuses.

After being released, the pride of lions turned and attacked the man. To avoid danger, he sought refuge in a nearby cage as the lions surrounded him. A dog present at the scene was also killed by the lions.

The lions currently living at the reserve. Photo: Press

In a video believed to be filmed by the man himself while intoxicated, viewers can see shaky footage as the lions growled and moved around the enclosure.

In another moment, the camera pans down to the grass, revealing the motionless body of an animal — the unfortunate dog present at the scene.

The video also shows the man seemingly protecting himself behind an open gate, creating a triangular gap between the gate and the inner fence of the lion enclosure. He used this position to stay alive before a rescue team arrived.

The man was attacked with several serious injuries. Photo: Press

Upon receiving the alert, the reserve's animal caretakers quickly arrived at the scene. They immediately sounded an alarm and implemented measures to control the situation. After a tense period, the man was rescued from the cage and brought out.

These lions had previously served in circuses and were brought to the reserve for care. Initial reports confirmed no lions were injured in the incident.

The man responsible for the incident was taken to the hospital for treatment. His face was heavily bandaged and swollen. Doctors confirmed he sustained severe injuries to his hands and face, but was fortunate to survive the dangerous attack.

The incident in Mexico is not an isolated lion-related accident recently.

Previously, in 2/2026, a 10-year-old girl was almost pulled into a lion enclosure while feeding animals at Shantou Zhongshan Park Zoo in Shantou, China.

According to local media, as the girl offered food through the bars, the lion unexpectedly reached its paw through a gap, hooked her trousers, and pulled her towards the enclosure. An animal caretaker immediately rushed to hold the girl firmly, simultaneously using a metal pole to poke the animal to make it release her.

After about 30 seconds of struggle, the girl was safely pulled out and taken to the hospital for examination, routine vaccinations, and discharged the same day.

The girl's family did not hold the zoo responsible; however, the employee who allowed her into the experience area without meeting the participation requirements was suspended for an internal investigation.

Tuan Anh (According to Mirror)