A man in southern Iraq was mauled to death by a lion he had recently purchased as a pet, in a shocking incident that has sparked public outrage and calls for stricter regulations on exotic animal ownership.
The attack occurred on Thursday, May 8, in the city of Kufa, Najaf province. The victim, 50-year-old Aqil Fakhr al-Din, was reportedly attacked and partially eaten by the lion in his backyard just days after acquiring the animal.
"Today, in a garden in the city of Kufa in Najaf, a citizen was attacked by a lion in his own garden and died immediately," said Najaf police spokesperson Mufid Tahir, speaking to local outlet Rudaw.
Authorities said the lion refused to release the victim's remains, forcing a neighbor to intervene. The neighbor reportedly shot the animal seven times with a Kalashnikov rifle, ultimately killing it.
Al-Din was known for keeping wild animals, including previous lions, and had intended to raise and tame this one. However, the lion turned on him without warning, inflicting fatal injuries.
Emergency responders transported Al-Din to Al-Sadr Medical City Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival due to the extent of his wounds.
Graphic images and video footage of the aftermath, including the lion’s lifeless body in the garden, have been widely shared on social media, fueling public debate about private ownership of dangerous animals.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident.