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A zookeeper at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park in Ogun state has been killed by a lion.
In a statement, the park’s management said the incident occurred when some guests arrived after the park’s closing time.
At their behest, the zookeeper agreed to demonstrate the feeding routine of the lion in its inner enclosure.
“The zookeeper, feeling comfortable with the animal, left the safety gate open and proceeded to feed the lion. He was attacked and killed on the spot,” the statement reads.
“To prevent further mutilation of the body, the animal was put down immediately by personnel of the park.
“It is important to state that this activity fell completely outside the standard feeding routine of the park.
“Investigations have begun, and the matter has since been reported to the police for their investigation.”
Confirming the incident, the Ogun state police command identified the victim as 35-year-old Babaji Daule, a lion handler from Bauchi state.
Punch reports that Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson, said Daule failed to properly secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal.
Odutola added that Daule’s oversight reportedly allowed the lion to escape and fatally attack him, causing severe injuries to his neck.
She said the body was transported to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, and the lion was shot to release its grip on the handler.
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