Mormon missionary mauled by lions at Guatemala zoo

SALT LAKE CITY – A 20-year-old Mormon missionary from Utah is in a Guatemalan hospital with serious arm and leg injuries after being mauled by two lions at a zoo.

A spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City says doctors are evaluating Paul Richard Oakey's condition after he was rushed to a hospital Monday for surgery.

Church spokesman Scott Trotter says Oakey was attacked by two lions when he stood too close to an exhibit at a Guatemalan zoo while trying to take a photo.

Trotter says Oakey has been in Guatemala for 19 months serving in the Guatemala City South Mission. He is from St. George, Utah.

Church officials say their thoughts and prayers are with Oakey and his family.