It was a normal day at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, until a sudden roar shattered the silence. A 9-year-old male lion had escaped from its cage and attacked a veterinarian, Olabode Olawuyi, who was feeding the animals at the zoological garden. The incident, which occurred on Monday, February 19, 2024, left the university community in shock and grief.
Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, had been in charge of the zoological garden for over a decade. He was known for his passion and dedication to the care of the animals, especially the lions, which he had raised since they were born on campus. He was a loving husband and father, and a respected member of the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Universities (NANTSU).
According to eyewitnesses, Olawuyi was feeding the lion when it suddenly pounced on him and dragged him into its den. The other staff members who were at the scene tried to rescue him, but it was too late. The lion had inflicted severe injuries on him, which proved fatal. The university’s medical team arrived shortly after, but could not save his life.
The university’s management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, rushed to the scene as soon as they heard the news. They expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident. They also decided to euthanize the aggressive lion, which had been living in captivity for its entire life.
The incident has raised questions about the safety and ethics of keeping wild animals in zoos, especially in a university setting. Some have called for the closure of the zoological garden, while others have argued for better regulations and standards. The fate of the remaining animals, including the lion’s mate and cubs, is still uncertain.
