Babaji Daule, 35, handler at Olusegun Obasanjo library zoo, Abeokuta, Ogun state, was killed by a lion, while approaching to feed the lion in the cage on Saturday.
A statement from the management of the zoo revealed that Daule was attacked by the lion while he was taking some guests around on how to feed the lion in its inner closure.
He reportedly forgot to secure the locks and barricade of the lion’s cage.
“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.
“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,” the management said.
Omolola Odutola, Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Sunday, saying that a lion attacked its handler and left fatal injuries to his neck which resulted his death.
“On September 28, 2024, at about 7:40 a.m., the Chief Security Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library informed the Divisional Police Officer that a 35-year-old man named Babaji Daule from Bauchi State, who is a trained handler of a male lion at the Zoological Garden in OOPL Abeokuta, tragically lost his life.
“It was discovered that the lion handler carelessly neglected to secure the locks and barricade of the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal. This negligence allowed the lion to escape and attack the handler, resulting in fatal injuries to the handler’s neck and eventual death.” she disclosed.