Olabode Olawuyi, the zookeeper in charge of Obafemi Awolowo University’s (OAU) zoo in Nigeria, was tragically killed by one of the lions he had been caring for over the past decade.
The university revealed that the attack occurred while Olawuyi was feeding the lions, and despite efforts by his colleagues, he could not be saved. The male lion responsible for the attack has been euthanized.
A veterinary technologist, Olawuyi had been looking after the lions since their birth on the campus approximately nine years ago.
The university’s spokesman, Abiodun Olarewaju, expressed bewilderment over the sudden aggression of the male lion, stating, “We never knew what came over the male lion that it had to attack [him]”.
Graphic images of the incident have circulated on social media, prompting a wave of condolences from Nigerians. A delegation from the university visited Olawuyi’s family to offer their sympathies. Prof Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the university’s vice-chancellor, expressed deep sorrow and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
The students’ union leader, Abbas Akinremi, suggested that human error may have played a role, indicating that the zookeeper may have forgotten to lock the door after feeding the lions. Akinremi described Olawuyi as a “good and humble man” and lamented the unfortunate incident.
Abba Gandu, a veteran lion feeder with over 50 years of experience at a zoo in Kano, northern Nigeria, commented on the incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures. Despite the tragedy, Gandu affirmed his commitment to feeding lions, recalling a past incident where a baboon bit his finger during a feeding attempt.
