Olabode Olawuyi, a zookeeper at the zoological garden of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State died out of an heroic act to save a female colleague from the lion.
Wole Odewumi, the Chairman of the OAU branch of the National Association of Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU), disclosed the development during a conversation with journalists on Tuesday
Recall that Olawuyi tragically lost his life a few days ago after being mauled by a 9-year-old lion he nursed.
Despite the efforts of staff members who were present at the scene, they were unable to rescue Olawuyi as the animal held him.
Tragically, Olawuyi passed away on transit before receiving medical assistance.
According to the NASU Chairman,
Olawuyi’s furnunate colleague is undergoing medical care.
Odewumi also revealed that the zoological garden has been temporarily closed by the institution’s management.
He said:
“The veterinary technologist was attacked by the lion while he was attempting to free a woman, who was first attacked by the lion.
“I spoke to some of his colleagues, and they told me what happened. The lion attacked a woman first. The woman is also a staff member working at the zoo.
“The deceased intervened to free the woman from the lion. He must have assumed that the lion would recognise him.
“His intervention to free the woman must have infuriated the animal. The lion left the woman and attacked him squarely.
“After he was freed from the lion’s grip, they rushed him to the health centre on campus here. He however died before he got there.
“But the second person that was attacked, a woman, is still on admission receiving treatment presently.”
