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The attempt to tame a wild animal ended tragically in Iraq. Aqil Fakhr al-Din, 50, died after being attacked by a lion who kept at his residence in the city of Kufa, province of Najaf. Known for creating exotic species at home, the man was surprised by the feline during a moment of management in the backyard last Thursday (8).
According to local authorities, Lion reacted aggressively and killed Aqil on the spot. “The animal devoured much of the victim’s body and resisted to leave the remains, which forced a man to shoot and slaughter him,” Mufid Tahir, local police spokesman told Rudaw news agency. The shooter would be a neighbor, who used a Kalashnikov rifle even before the police arrived.
According to local authorities, Lion reacted aggressively and killed Aqil on site / reproduction
The victim was even taken alive to the hospital, but could not resist the deep injuries caused by the attack. Images of the killed lion in the backyard of the residence circulated on social networks, generating commotion and raising questions about the domestic breeding of dangerous animals in the country.
The episode rekindled the debate on the lack of regulation in Iraq for the possession of wild animals. With little supervision, illegal trade and trafficking of exotic species continue to be a reality in several countries in the Middle East, where keeping large felines are seen by some as a symbol of power and status.
