Attack zoo lion - A 45 years old man is in critical condition after being attacked and mauled by lions at a Barcelona zoo.

The lion attack in the Barcelona zoo reportedly occurred on Sunday afternoon at 12:15 a.m. According to local sources, Spanish police, zoo staff and firefighters rescued the victim after dispersing the beasts with hoses and fire extinguishers.

The victim of the lion attack, who has been identified as a police officer, was immediately rushed to the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. He is reported to have suffered extensive injuries and has been admitted to the ICU trauma center.

Reports indicate that when the victim, whose name has not been disclosed, intentionally entered the lions enclosure at the Barcelona zoo, he was warned by concerned bystanders. The police officer involved in the lion attack was said to be wearing a military uniform and also carrying a backpack when he entered the lion's den.

Eyewitnesses say prior to the lion attack, the fierce animals were nervous after the man entered their enclosure and started walking around. Three lions then attacked and mauled the victim. He was bitten repeatedly and afterwards dragged into the service tunnel.

Witnesses notified the zoo security service about the lion attack and they restricted the area. The man was rescued 30 minutes after he voluntarily entered the lion's den.

It's unclear why the victim purposefully entered the enclosure. Barcelona authorities say the man has a history of public protests. Reports indicate that on Sept. 11 he was arrested after burning the Catalan flag at the memorial of Rafael Casanovas in Barcelona. And on Nov. 23, while protesting against abortion, the man clung to La Pedrera, a historical modernist building in the city.

Authorities have opened an investigation into the lion attack incident, while the lion's enclosure has been sealed and restricted from visitors.

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