Veteran OAU Zookeeper Killed by Lion He Raised for Nine Years

In a devastating incident that has left the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community in mourning, Olabode Olawuyi, a seasoned veterinary technologist and caretaker of the university’s Zoological garden, was fatally attacked by a nine-year-old male lion he had nurtured since birth.

The tragedy happened on Monday afternoon as Olawuyi was engaged in the routine feeding of the lions within their den. Despite efforts from other staff members to rescue him, the lion inflicted fatal injuries before help could arrive, according to Abiodun Olarewaju, the school’s spokesperson.

The management, led by Vice-Chancellor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, immediately halted an ongoing meeting for an on-the-spot assessment upon receiving the distressing news. Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, confirmed that all attempts at first aid and medical intervention were unsuccessful.

In response to the tragic event, the university made the difficult decision to euthanize the aggressive lion. Olawuyi had been caring for these lions since their birth on campus nearly a decade ago, highlighting the heartbreaking irony of the incident.

The university’s management extended condolences to the family of the deceased, urging them to find solace in faith during this challenging time. Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Bamire has ordered a thorough investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the unfortunate incident.