Lion Attacks, Kills Nigerian University Zoo Keeper

Cursory: Olabode Olawuyi, a staff member at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), died tragically after being attacked by a lion he was feeding. Despite rescue efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. See full details…

A member of the staff at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, named Olabode Olawuyi, tragically lost his life on Monday after being attacked by a lion he was responsible for feeding.

Olabode, who worked in the zoological department and cared for the lion, was reportedly feeding the animal when the attack occurred. Despite efforts by other staff members to rescue him, Olabode succumbed to his injuries.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the deceased was attacked while feeding the nine-year-old lion in its enclosure. The news of the incident plunged the university community into mourning, prompting the management to abruptly end a meeting upon learning of the tragedy. The lion involved in the attack has since been euthanized.

It reads, “Mr Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked this afternoon, Monday, 19th February 2024, by a 9-year-old male lion when he was feeding them in their den at the Zoological garden of the University.

“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.

“On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, abruptly ended an ongoing meeting for an on-the-spot assessment.

“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.“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.

Expressing condolences, the university management has reached out to the deceased’s family, urging them to find solace in their faith. Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“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.

“Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident,” the statement further read.

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Credits: ALLSCHOOL, Vanguard

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