Panic at OAU as lion kills zookeeper

A nine-year-old lion killed a zookeeper on Monday at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State, causing panic within the university community.

The zookeeper, a veterinary technologist named Olabode Olawuyi, was attacked while feeding animals at the garden, according to a statement by the university’s public relations officer (PRO), Abiodun Olarewaju.

The statement said: “Mr Olawuyi, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked this afternoon, (Monday), 19th February, 2024 by a lion when he was feeding them in their den at the 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.”

Olarewaju said the Vice Chancellor Prof. Simeon Bamire visited the spot and was informed by the acting director of the university’s medical centre Dr Tirimisiyu Olatunji that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim fell through.

“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 nine years ago but, tragically, the male Lion killed the man who had been feeding them.

“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 has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident,” the statement added.