After nine years of tending to lion, it attacks and kills its keeper at OAU Zoological Garden 

A staff of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Olabode Olawuyi, was attacked and killed by a lion while feeding the wild cats in their den at the University’s Zoological garden.

Reports confirm that on Monday, a 9-year-old male lion, familiar to the university community, unexpectedly turned aggressive during feeding, leading to a fatal encounter with Mr. Olawuyi.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, conveyed the tragic incident and the valiant efforts of staff to rescue their esteemed colleague.

“Mr Olawuyi has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about nine 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”, he said.

The university’s management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Adebayo Bamire, immediately suspended an ongoing meeting to assess the situation. Despite all first aid and medical efforts, the victim’s life could not be saved, leaving the campus in shock and sorrow.

The university has extended condolences to the grieving family and dispatched a delegation to offer support and solace to the bereaved. Following the tragic event, the aggressive lion has been euthanised to ensure the safety of the campus community.

The management of OAU initiated an investigation to probe into the cause of the incident.

In the PRO’s words: “The varsity spokesman said the management had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.”

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