Leon van Biljon, often called as the “Lion Man” was fatally mauled by his own pet lion at the Mahala View Lion Lodge in South Africa.
It is reported that the Lion Man was mauled to death by his own pet lion when he was mending a broken fence in a lion enclosure.
The Mahala View Lion Lodge is home to three lions, Nakita, Katryn, and Rambo. They live in a property owned by the Mahala Lodge.
The incident happened near Cullinan, South Africa.
The official website of the Mahala View Lion Lodge says that Leon “Biljon offers exclusive lion lectures, feedings and game drives for guests.”
According to News24, a local news agency in South Africa said that Leon owned a number of lions at the lodge.
The lion that attacked him was also his own pet lion.
In a report published by CNN, it stated that Leon was often called the “Lion Man” because of his outstanding work at the Mahala View Lion Lodge.
The spokesperson of the Cullinan Police confirmed that the Leon, who was 70-years-old, was mauled to death by the caged lions.
In an official statement that was released by the Cullinan Police, they said, “The neighbors from the nearby lodges responded and tried to help the victim but unfortunately the victim succumbed to injuries.”
The statement added, “The animals have been put down.”
The Mahala View Lion Lodge has also confirmed the death of Leon by posting a farewell post, which said “Great loss for everyone. R.I.P. Uncle Leon.”