A nine-year-old male lion has killed a zookeeper at the Obafemi Awolowo University Zoo in Ilefe.
The victim identified as Olabode Olawuyi was mauled to death on Monday while he was feeding the wild cats in his den.
Olawuyi, a veterinarian was director of the zoo for over 10 years before his death.
The university’s spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, saying;
“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 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.”
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“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
The incident is also said to have left another staff at the zoo injured.
Meanwhile, the management of institution has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
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