A 9-year-old lion has killed the Veterinary Technologist in charge of the Zoological Garden of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state, Olabode Olawuyi.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed that the incident happened when Olawuyi was feeding the animal in their den, yesterday’s afternoon.
He said that the deceased had been in charge of the lions since they were born.
Olarewaju explained that efforts by members of staff to rescue the deceased from the male lion proved abortive.
According to Olarewaju, the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Tirimisiyu Olatunji, who informed the Vice-Chancellor, Adebayo Bamire, explained that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim also proved abortive.
The university spokesman said,”saddened by this tragic event, the aggressive lion has been euthanized.
“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 University management has 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.
“Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident,” Olare.
