A tragic incident occurred at the Zoological garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, where a 9-year-old male lion killed a zookeeper while being fed in their den. The victim, identified as Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, had been the Veterinary Technologist in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade.
The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident and stated that Mr. Olawuyi had been caring for the lions since their birth about nine years ago. Unfortunately, the male lion attacked and killed him during the feeding process, despite efforts by other staff members to rescue him.
Upon hearing the news, the university’s management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Adebayo Bamire, immediately ended an ongoing meeting for an on-the-spot assessment. Despite first aid and medical efforts, Olawuyi could not be saved. The university management made the difficult decision to euthanize the aggressive lion.
The university expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and sent a delegation to console them. A comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident has been ordered by the university management.
This incident is a tragic reminder of the potential dangers involved in handling wild animals, even in controlled environments such as zoos and wildlife facilities. Similar incidents have occurred globally, emphasizing the need for strict safety measures and protocols when dealing with large and potentially dangerous animals.
