In a shocking turn of events, the atmosphere at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was shattered by a tragic incident at its Zoological garden today, February 19th, 2024, as a lion in the OAU zoo killed a staff member, leaving the entire community of Great Ife in sadness.
Contrary to initial reports of the lion escaping from the zoo, Inside OAU Media gathered that the lion never left the zoo premises; the attack occurred within the lion’s den.
The OAU Deputy Registrar clarified in press release that the lion did not escape from its cage; rather, a lapse in the closure of the inner door of the lion’s den led to the dreadful encounter. Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a dedicated Veterinary Technologist with over a decade of service at the zoo, was carrying out his routine feeding duties when the unimaginable occurred. As he entered the den to feed the lions, the 9-year-old male lion seized the opportunity presented by the slightly open door, attacking Mr. Olawuyi.
Despite the valiant efforts of his colleagues to rescue him, Mr. Olawuyi suffered fatal injuries in the vicious attack. The entire university community mourns the loss of a beloved staff member whose commitment and expertise had been instrumental in the care of the zoo’s inhabitants, including the very lion that claimed his life.
The news of Mr. Olawuyi’s demise has left the entire community of Great Ife in sadness. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, visibly shaken by the tragedy, wasted no time in initiating an immediate investigation into the incident and extending condolences to the bereaved family.
We could recall that the pictures of the lion went viral in 2021/2022 for looking malnourished.
As the campus community grapples with grief and shock, efforts are underway to provide support to Mr. Olawuyi’s family and colleagues during this trying time.
Inside OAU Media gathered that the 9-year-old lion had reportedly been killed on the spot.
The management and entire members of Inside OAU innovations express our condolence with the friends and family of the deceased and hope that they find the fortitude to bear the loss
