Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a Zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State has been killed by a lion while feeding it.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, who has been in charge of the Zoological Garden for over a decade, was attacked on Monday by a nine-year-old lion when he was feeding lions in their den at the Zoological Garden of the University.
Other members of staff at the scene of the incident did everything within their powers to rescue their boss but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities.
On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, abruptly ended an on going meeting for an on-the-spot assessment.
The Vice-Chancellor was informed, on arrival, by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive.
Saddened by this tragic event, the aggressive lion has been euthanised.
Olawuyi had been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about nine years ago but, tragically, the 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.
