In a tragic turn of events, Olabode Olawuyi, a dedicated staff member of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, lost his life on Monday after being attacked by a lion he was responsible for feeding.
Olawuyi, who worked in the university’s zoological department and had been caring for the nine-year-old lion, was feeding the animal when the attack occurred. Despite the efforts of his colleagues to rescue him, Olawuyi succumbed to the injuries inflicted by the wild cat.
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According to Olarewaju, Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist who had been overseeing the university’s Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked while carrying out his duties. Despite immediate medical attention, he could not be saved.
In response to the tragedy, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, ordered the euthanization of the aggressive lion and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The university management has extended its heartfelt condolences to Olawuyi’s family and assured them of support during this difficult time. They emphasized the need to find solace in faith and pledged to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The untimely death of Olabode Olawuyi serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with working closely with wild animals, and highlights the importance of stringent safety measures in zoological settings.
