A tragic incident occurred at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife Zoological Park on Monday, February 19, as a zookeeper named Olabode Olawuyi was fatally attacked by a nine-year-old lion.
Mr. Olabode, a Veterinary Technologist who had been overseeing the zoological park for over a decade, tragically lost his life to the wild animal.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, revealed that Olabode had been caring for the lions since their birth nine years ago.
“Mr. Olawuyi has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about 9 years ago but, tragically, the male lion killed the man who had been feeding them.”
The statement further revealed that other staff, who witnessed the incident, did everything within their power to save the deceased, but the lion had already inflicted serious injuries on him.
“The other members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue their boss but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, was informed, on arrival, by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive.
Saddened by this tragic event, the aggressive Lion has been euthanized. The University management has sent a delegation to the widow and children of the deceased, imploring them to take solace in God who gives life and also has the power to take life.”
According to the statement, a comprehensive investigation has commenced to uncover the root cause of the incident.
Watch videos of the deceased and the moment the lion was killed below,
[GRAPHIC WARNING]
Friends and family of the deceased have taken to social media to mourn his demise.
