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A horrifying incident unfolded on Monday at the Zoological Garden of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as a 9-year-old male lion fatally attacked a zookeeper while he was feeding the wild cats in their den.
The victim, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist who had been overseeing the Zoological Garden for over a decade, tragically fell victim to the male lion’s aggression. Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that Mr. Olawuyi had been responsible for caring for the lions since their birth on campus about nine years ago.
Despite the valiant efforts of other staff members present at the scene to rescue Mr. Olawuyi, the lion had already inflicted severe injuries, resulting in his untimely demise.
Upon receiving the distressing news, the university management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Adebayo Bamire, promptly suspended an ongoing meeting for an immediate assessment of the situation. Despite first aid and medical efforts, Mr. Olawuyi’s life could not be saved.
In response to the tragic incident, the aggressive lion was euthanized. The university management extended its condolences to the deceased’s widow and children, urging them to find solace in divine comfort.
Furthermore, the management has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to identify both the immediate and remote causes.
