OAU Zoo: Olabode Olawuyi, the veterinary technologist in charge of the Zoological Garden at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, South-West Nigeria, has tragically lost his life. The incident occurred when a nine-year-old lion attacked and killed him while he was attempting to feed it on campus, according to the school’s management.
Abiodun Olanrewaju, the spokesperson for OAU, revealed in a statement released on Monday that Olawuyi was inside the garden feeding the animals when the incident occurred. Despite efforts by some staff members to rescue the veterinary technologist, the lion inflicted severe injuries on him.
“The management, staff, students, and the entire campus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, mourn the untimely death of Olabode Olawuyi,” the statement read.
It was reported that Olabode had been breeding the lion since it was a cub, nurturing it for nine years. After the lion attacked the veterinary technologist, hunters were called upon to neutralize the animal.
The lion was located in an open area within its cage, allowing it to move freely, which raised concerns among many people. The hunters approached the cage and shot the lion in the leg. Despite attempting to flee, the lion’s leg was already injured by the bullet, causing it to fall to the ground.
The enclosure where the lion was housed was confirmed to be secure, limiting its ability to roam freely. This meant that the person responsible for feeding it would have to enter the cage, making it difficult to escape during an attack.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, Olabode had been breeding lions for many years, but the reason why the male lion attacked him remains unknown.
Efforts were made to rush Olabode to the medical center, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost one of our staff in the line of duty, and the university has sent a delegation to his family’s residence,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
OAU Zoo: This is not the first time Olabode had been involved in training and breeding lions, making it surprising that this incident occurred.
Source Hunters kill lion wey chop im caretaker, OAU zookeeper to death – how e take happun Published in BBC.