A zookeeper at the Zoological garden of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been mauled to death by a lion in extremely vicious attack.
Olabode Olawuyi, the institution Veterinary Technologist, who shared the same enclosure with the 9-year-old male lion, was feeding the predators in their den when the tragedy struck on Monday February 19th 2024.
Spokesman of Obafemi Awolowo, University, Ile-Ife, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju said this in a statement on Monday after the lion was euthanized by the institution.
He said other members of Staff who were present at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue their boss, but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities.
Olarewaju said the Management team of the University led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire abruptly ended an on-the-spot assessment meeting when the incident occurred.
The Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji told the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bamire when he led his Management team to the scene that all first aid and medical efforts to save the victim’s life, proved abortive.
Accordingly, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bamire, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The VC has also 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.
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