A tragic incident occurred at the Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria, where a 35-year-old zookeeper was fatally attacked by a lion after failing to properly secure the locks on its enclosure during feeding.
The victim, identified as Babaji Daule, a trained lion handler, worked at the park, which is owned by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to a police statement by spokesperson Omolola Odutola, the lion inflicted fatal injuries to the man’s neck, prompting officers to shoot the animal in order to free the zookeeper from its grip.
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library released a statement explaining that the zookeeper had taken guests to observe the lion’s feeding routine after hours.
Feeling overly comfortable with the animal, he left the protective gate open, leading to the fatal attack.
The lion was immediately put down by park personnel to prevent further mutilation of the body.
This incident follows a similar tragedy less than a year ago, when another zookeeper was killed by a lion at Obafemi Awolowo University in southwestern Nigeria.
The latest attack has sparked renewed concerns over the country’s regulations surrounding zoo management and the handling of wild animals.
Source – bbc.com
