A nine-year-old male lion on Monday attacked and killed a zookeeper while feeding the wild cats in their den at the Zoological garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
The victim, Mr Olabode Olawuyi, who was a Veterinary Technologist, had been in charge of the Zoological garden for over 10 years now.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.
According to him, “Mr Olawuyi has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about 9 years ago but, tragically, the male lion killed the man who had been feeding them.
“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.”
The PRO said when the Vice Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Bamire, heard the sad news, he immediately aborted an ongoing meeting and led the institution’s management team for an on-the-spot assessment
The statement added, “Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, 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 euthanized.
“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.”
The OAU PRO said the university management had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.