A zookeeper has been killed by a lion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park.
The victim, Babaji Daule, was just 35 years old and hailed from Bauchi State.
This tragic event occurred when Daule allowed a group of guests to stay after closing time.
He made the decision to demonstrate the lion’s feeding routine to the guests.
In an unfortunate turn of events, he opened the safety gate to the lion’s inner enclosure.
Witnesses report that Daule seemed comfortable around the animal, which led to his fatal mistake.
“He was mauled by the animal and died on the spot,” a statement from the park management confirmed.
To prevent further harm and protect the public, the lion was put down immediately by park personnel.
The management emphasized that this incident was not part of the park’s standard feeding procedures.
“This activity fell completely out of the standard feeding routine of the park,” the statement read.
The park has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Daule.
They extended their condolences to his family during this difficult time.
“The park commiserates with the family of the deceased,” the statement added.
Following the incident, an investigation has been launched to understand what went wrong.
The matter has also been reported to the police for further investigation.
Authorities will look into how such a dangerous situation could occur in a controlled environment.
This incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols at the wildlife park.
Many are asking how a zookeeper could enter the lion’s enclosure without proper safety measures.
Animal parks are meant to be places of education and enjoyment, but incidents like this shake public confidence.
The zookeeper’s death is a stark reminder of the risks involved in working with wild animals.
In the past, there have been similar incidents at zoos worldwide, highlighting the need for strict safety measures.
Animal behavior can be unpredictable, even for experienced handlers.
Experts recommend that all zookeepers follow strict guidelines to avoid accidents.
