A tragic incident occurred on Monday at the Zoological Garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where a 9-year-old male lion killed the zookeeper, identified as Olabode Olawuyi, who had been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade. The deceased was feeding the wild cats in their den when the lion attacked him.
The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Monday. He stated that other staff members who were present at the scene of the incident tried to rescue the deceased, but unfortunately, the wild cat had already caused severe harm.
The university management expressed condolences to the family of Mr Olawuyi and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident. It is reported that Mr. Olawuyi had been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about 9 years ago.
Upon hearing the sad news, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Bamire, and his team immediately ended their ongoing meeting for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
The Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Dr Tirimisiyu Olatunji, informed the Vice-Chancellor that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive.
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.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with working with wild animals and the need for proper safety measures to be put in place to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
