A tragic incident occurred at the Zoological Garden of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where a 9-year-old male lion killed a zookeeper named Mr. Olabode Olawuyi while he was feeding the lions in their den. Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, had been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade.
The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement, stating that the male lion attacked and killed the zookeeper despite efforts by other staff members to rescue him. The university management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Bamire, promptly ended a meeting for an on-the-spot assessment upon hearing the news.
Despite medical efforts, Olabode Olawuyi could not be saved, and the aggressive lion was euthanized after the incident. The university management expressed sadness over the tragic event and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.
The incident raises concerns about the safety protocols in place at the zoo and the potential risks involved in handling wild animals, even in captivity. Investigations into the immediate and remote causes of the incident have been ordered by the university management. Similar incidents involving wild animals and their caretakers have occurred in other parts of the world, highlighting the inherent dangers associated with working closely with such animals.