Incidents involving wildlife and human interactions have raised important concerns about safety and management in zoos.
A recent incident at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library zoo in Abeokuta proves the dangers faced by those who work with dangerous animals.
Tragedy struck at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when a 35-year-old zoo worker, Babaji Daule, was killed by a lion on Saturday, September 29, 2024.
Secure The Lion
According to the police, Daule, who was from Bauchi State, forgot to secure the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal.
However, this negligence allowed the lion to escape and attack him.
As a result, Daule suffered fatal injuries to his neck and eventually succumbed to his wounds.
The police were notified, and in response, the lion was shot to release its grip on the victim.
Daule’s body was also taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital.
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) is a popular tourist destination in Abeokuta, featuring a zoo, museum, resort, and amusement park.
Ogun Police Described Incident
A statement issued by the Ogun State Police spokesman, SP Omolola Odutola, on Sunday, described the incident.
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It stated: “A deadly incident involving a wild animal attack has been reported by the Area Commander metro.
“On September 28, 2024, at about 7:40 hrs, the Chief Security Officer of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library informed the divisional police officer about a tragic incident.
“He reported that a 35-year-old man named Babaji Daule, who was a trained handler of a male lion at the Zoological Garden in OOPL Abeokuta, 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.
“The victim’s body was removed and taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, while the wild lion was shot to release its grip on the handler”.