In a tragic incident at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, a longtime zookeeper died after being mauled by a lion he had been caring for over the course of nearly a decade, as reported by the university.
Olawuyi was viciously attacked while in the process of feeding the animals. Despite the best efforts of his colleagues, the lion inflicted fatal injuries on him before the staff could intervene. Subsequently, the lion was euthanized.
The university's spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, expressed disbelief at the unforeseen aggression of the male lion towards Olawuyi.
"We never knew what came over the male lion that it had to attack him," Olarewaju told local media.
Tragic images of the incident circulated on Nigerian social media platforms, prompting an outpouring of grief from the university community. A delegation was sent to offer condolences to Olawuyi's family during this time of mourning.
Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the university's vice-chancellor, conveyed his sorrow over the tragic event and instructed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
According to Abbas Akinremi, the students' union leader cited in Nigeria's Vanguard newspaper, the incident resulted from a lapse in procedure, as the zookeeper had allegedly forgotten to secure the lion enclosure after feeding the animals. Akinremi described the scenario as regrettable and praised Olawuyi's character, highlighting his kindness and dedication to his duties at the zoo.
Abba Gandu, a veteran lion keeper with more than five decades of experience at a zoo in Kano, northern Nigeria, expressed sadness at the incident and emphasized the necessity for enhanced safety protocols.
"This incident wouldn't in any way affect me personally as feeding lions is what I want to do until I die," said Mr Gandu, who has been feeding lions since 1971.
Gandu recounted past encounters with dangerous animals, such as a baboon that once bit his finger during a feeding session.