NEW DELHI: A veteran zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria was fatally attacked by a lion under his care for the past decade. According to the BBC, the incident occurred during a routine feeding session when the male lion turned aggressive and attacked Olabode Olawuyi who was in-charge of the zoo.
Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, had been responsible for the well-being of the lions since their birth on the campus.According to Abiodun Olarewaju, the university’s spokesperson, Olawuyi’s colleagues were unable to intervene in time, leading to the fatal outcome.
Reports from the students’ union leader, Abbas Akinremi, suggest that the incident may have resulted from “human error.” A claim surfaced that Olawuyi had forgotten to lock the lion’s cage after the feeding session, leading to the aggressive encounter. However, these details remain unconfirmed as the investigation unfolds.
The male lion involved in the incident has been euthanized to ensure the safety of the zoo staff and visitors. The university has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the incident to prevent further such incidents in the future.
Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, had been responsible for the well-being of the lions since their birth on the campus.According to Abiodun Olarewaju, the university’s spokesperson, Olawuyi’s colleagues were unable to intervene in time, leading to the fatal outcome.
Reports from the students’ union leader, Abbas Akinremi, suggest that the incident may have resulted from “human error.” A claim surfaced that Olawuyi had forgotten to lock the lion’s cage after the feeding session, leading to the aggressive encounter. However, these details remain unconfirmed as the investigation unfolds.
The male lion involved in the incident has been euthanized to ensure the safety of the zoo staff and visitors. The university has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the incident to prevent further such incidents in the future.