Three lions were fatally shot after the animals mauled their owner to death inside their enclosure at the Dinokeng Game Reserve in South Africa on Tuesday.

Officials said two lions first dragged the man, identified as Leon van Biljon, into the enclosure before mauling him to death.

“The caretaker allegedly saw the owner dragged by two animals inside the cage and he screamed for help. People came and tried to rescue the victim but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries,” Police spokesperson Connie Moganedi said.

The two female and one male lion had to be shot by the rangers as they were in close proximity to the injured man when paramedics arrived at the scene. Biljon, who had sustained multiple open wounds, succumbed to injuries before transferring him to a hospital.

Recalling the incident, Best Care Emergency spokesperson, Xander Loubster, said, “We received a call of a lion attack at Dinokeng. We received information that the male patient was unresponsive and that a few lions were shot. We were also informed that the patient was not safe to approach as there was still a third lion in close proximity.”

Calling the killing of the lions “unfortunate,” Richard Lydall, the chairperson of the reserve, said, “It’s not fair and it’s heartbreaking. Unfortunately, there are situations sometimes that when a lion was involved with humans, some tough decisions have to be made. It’s not right and it’s sad.”

The reserve was closed following the fatal attack and was set to reopen Wednesday. Officials were investigating the incident.

lion
This is a representational image of a lion at his enclosure at the National Zoo in Washington on Dec. 18, 2010. Getty Images/Nicholas Kamm
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