A tragic incident unfolded at the Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Nigeria, when a zookeeper was mauled to death by a lion after failing to secure the animal’s enclosure.
The victim, identified as 35-year-old Babaji Daule, was reportedly feeding the lion when he was attacked on Saturday.
According to reports from the BBC, Daule was taking guests into the lion’s enclosure after hours when the incident occurred.
The park management stated that he had apparently grown comfortable with the animal, neglecting to secure the safety protection gate before proceeding to feed it.
“The zookeeper, apparently, feeling comfortable with the animal, left the safety protection gate open and proceeded to feed the animal. He was mauled by the animal and died on the spot,” the park management said in a statement.
Local police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed that the lion inflicted severe injuries to Daule’s neck.
“It is important to state that this activity fell completely outside the standard feeding routine of the park,” the wildlife park emphasized in their statement, clarifying that such actions were not typical for the zookeeper.
In a desperate attempt to free the injured handler, authorities shot the lion. “The wild lion was shot to release its grip on the handler,” Odutola noted.
He further explained that it remains unclear whether Daule had permission to take the guests into the enclosure, which was meant to be closed.
“Regardless, he carelessly neglected to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal,” he added.
The wildlife park has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and reassured the public of its commitment to employee safety, visitor safety, and the well-being of the animals.
This incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and the management of dangerous animals in captivity.
This tragic occurrence comes less than a year after another zookeeper was attacked and killed by a lion at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria. Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, had been caring for the lions since they were cubs.
In February, he was fatally injured by one of the male lions while feeding them, despite efforts from his colleagues to save him. The university released a statement at the time confirming the tragic details of the incident.
Animal welfare organizations have voiced concerns regarding the handling of wild animals and the protocols in place at wildlife parks in Nigeria.
Experts emphasize the importance of strict adherence to safety measures when interacting with potentially dangerous animals to prevent such tragedies.
The loss of two zookeepers within a year highlights a critical need for increased training and safety measures within the industry.
As investigations into Daule’s death continue, the management of the Presidential Library Wildlife Park faces scrutiny regarding its animal handling protocols and the safety of its staff.
As the community mourns the loss of Babaji Daule, calls for improved safety standards in wildlife parks are expected to intensify, urging authorities to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
