Tragic Death of Zookeeper by Lion at Nigerian Wildlife Park

A zookeeper named Babaji Daule was killed by a lion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Nigeria after he improperly secured the animal’s enclosure during feeding. The lion was subsequently euthanized to prevent further mutilation of the body. This incident has reignited concerns regarding regulations and safety in wild animal management in Nigerian zoos.

In southwestern Nigeria, a zookeeper tragically lost his life after suffering fatal injuries from a lion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Ogun state. The incident occurred when the zookeeper, identified as 35-year-old Babaji Daule, failed to secure the lion’s enclosure while attempting to feed the animal. According to police spokesperson Omolola Odutola, the lion inflicted severe injuries to Daule’s neck, prompting staff to shoot the animal in order to release its grip. The park later issued a statement revealing that the incident unfolded during an after-hours feeding session, during which the zookeeper left the safety gate open, leading to the tragic attack. Following the incident, park officials emphasized the measures taken to prevent further mutilation of the body by euthanizing the animal immediately.

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park, named after the former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, serves as a wildlife sanctuary and educational facility. However, recent events have raised significant concerns regarding the safety protocols and management practices concerning wild animal handling in Nigeria. The incident involving Babaji Daule, a trained lion handler, is particularly alarming as it follows another such attack less than a year earlier at Obafemi Awolowo University, highlighting a broader issue within the country’s zoo safety regulations.

This tragic incident underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and regulations concerning the handling of wild animals within captivity. The loss of Babaji Daule serves as a grave reminder of the potential dangers associated with wildlife management and the necessity for enhancing training and safety protocols for zookeepers.

Original Source: www.bbc.com