On Monday, a nine-year-old male varsity lion, killed a zookeeper, who was feeding the wild cats at the zoological garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
The spokesperson of the university, Abiodun Olanrewaju, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, said the veterinary technologist, Olabode Olawuyi, had been in charge of the zoological garden for over a decade.
“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.
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“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,” Olanrewaju said.
According to him, on hearing the news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire ended an ongoing meeting for on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
“Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, was informed 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,” he added.
Olarewaju said the management had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
