A Scottish safari park has been forced to apologise after visitors were left horrified when lions mauled a monkey to death.
Shocked families watched on in shock as an endangered monkey was killed by lions at Blair Drummond Safari Park.
The Barbary macaque had escaped its own reserve at the popular attraction and had climbed into the lions’ den, reports the Daily Record.
In a bid to save the monkey, a park keeper parked his truck over its injured body but a lion snatched it from under the vehicle and was later recovered.
A witness said: “It was a large monkey and surprisingly fast – but it didn’t stand a chance.
“The awful sound of the monkey screaming for its life will stay with us.
“We had hoped for a happy day out with our young child but ended up having to explain to a toddler what had happened.”
A spokesperson for Blair Drummond said: “We are sorry our visitors witnessed what must have been a distressing sight.
“The incident in the lion enclosure has never happened before and we share the shock and concern that this took place.”
