A 9 year old male lion on Monday had reportedly killed its keeper while feeding the wild animal at its den at the zoo of popular Nigerian University Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife.
The victim known as Mr Olabode Olawuyi who was said to be the Veterinary Technologist in charge of the Zoological garden of the University for many years.
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, was informed, on arrival, 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.
“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
“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 management has since sent a delegation to the family of the deceased.
The varsity spokesman said the management had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
