A nine-year-old lion at the Zoological Park has killed Olabode Olawuyi, a staff member of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife.

Olawuyi until his death was a Veterinary Technologist.  He was reportedly feed the animals when he was attacked.

He had been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade. The zoological garden belongs to the university.

The public relations officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident.

The university spokesman said that other members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue the deceased but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities.

He said: “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.

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“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.”

According to him, on arrival at the scene the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, applied all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim, but they were proved abortive.

“Saddened by this tragic event, the aggressive Lion has been euthanized. 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.”

The varsity spokesman said the management had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

The Star