**Lion Attack on Collaborator Raises Questions in Russian-Occupied Crimea**
A shocking incident has taken place at the Taigan Safari Park in Russian-occupied Crimea, where a lion attacked collaborator Oleg Zubkov. The attack, which occurred during an evening feeding session, left Zubkov with severe injuries to his trachea, neck, and chest muscles.
Zubkov, a businessman who renounced his Ukrainian citizenship after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, has been involved in questionable activities. He has cooperated with Russian authorities and even smuggled animals from zoos in occupied Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The attack on Zubkov is not an isolated incident at the Taigan Safari Park. In 2024, three lions killed Leokadia Perevalova, a long-time staff member who had worked at the park for 17 years while cleaning an enclosure. This raises serious questions about the safety and management of the park.
**A Pattern of Animal Attacks**
The incident highlights the risks faced by humans working with wild animals in environments where safety protocols may be compromised due to various factors, including lack of resources or inadequate training. The fact that there have been two instances of lions attacking staff members at the Taigan Safari Park raises concerns about the overall management and care of the animals.
**Collaborator’s Troubled Past**
Zubkov’s past actions, including his decision to renounce Ukrainian citizenship and cooperate with Russian authorities, have been widely criticized. His involvement in smuggling animals from occupied territories has also sparked outrage. The lion attack on him serves as a reminder that individuals who choose to collaborate with an occupying power may face consequences for their actions.
**A Stable Condition**
Despite the severity of his injuries, Zubkov’s condition is reportedly stable after surgery at a hospital in Simferopol, Crimea. His recovery will undoubtedly be a long and challenging process, both physically and emotionally.
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