Zookeeper’s Devoured at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria
A tragic incident unfolded at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria as Olabode Olawuyi, a zookeeper with nearly a decade of experience, lost his life in a fatal encounter with one of the lions under his care. The unfortunate incident occurred during a routine feeding session, where, despite the efforts of colleagues to intervene, Olawuyi sustained fatal injuries inflicted by the lion.
The university responded swiftly to the tragedy by euthanizing the involved lion, prioritizing the safety of both staff and visitors at the zoo. Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, had been responsible for the care of the lions since their birth on campus approximately nine years ago.
“We never knew what came over the male lion that it had to attack [him],” remarked Abiodun Olarewaju, the university’s public relations officer, expressing the shock and bewilderment surrounding the incident. However, the university students’ union leader, Abbas Akinremi, suggested that the attack resulted from “human error,” indicating that the zookeeper had forgotten to lock the door after the feeding session.
The news of the incident has permeated social media, leading to widespread discussions and sharing of graphic images depicting the tragic event at the university in Osun state in the southwest of Nigeria. The university community has been plunged into mourning, with an outpouring of condolences and reactions across various platforms.
In response to the incident, the university dispatched a team to console the family of the deceased. Prof Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the vice-chancellor, expressed his deep sadness over the incident and ordered a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and remote causes, aiming to shed light on the circumstances leading to this unfortunate and untimely loss of life.
