UPDATED: Lion Attacks And Kills 35-Year-Old Worker At Obasanjo Library Zoo

UPDATED: Lion Attacks And Kills 35-Year-Old Worker At Obasanjo Library Zoo

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old zoo worker, Babaji Daule, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) zoo in Abeokuta, who was killed by a lion on Saturday……CONTINUE READING 

According to a statement released on Sunday by the state police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, Daule, a Bauchi State native and trained lion handler, failed to properly secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before attempting to feed the animal. This oversight allowed the lion to escape and attack him, resulting in severe injuries to his neck and ultimately, his death.

The victim’s body was later removed and taken to Ijaye General Hospital’s mortuary. The lion was shot by zoo personnel to release its grip on the handler.

In confirming the incident, Odutola stated, “A deadly incident involving a wild animal attack was reported on September 28, 2024, at 7:40 a.m. by the Chief Security Officer of OOPL. A 35-year-old man named Babaji Daule, a trained lion handler at the zoo, tragically lost his life after failing to secure the lion’s enclosure.”

The park’s management also issued a statement, explaining that the incident occurred after closing hours when guests requested to see the feeding routine of the lion. The zookeeper, comfortable with the animal, left the safety gate open, leading to the fatal attack.

“To prevent further mutilation of the body, the lion was immediately put down by zoo personnel,” the statement read, noting that the incident occurred outside the park’s standard feeding routine.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the police have been informed for further action.