A tragic incident unfolded on Monday at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Zoological Garden in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veteran veterinary technologist, was fatally mauled by a nine-year-old male lion.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, disclosed that Mr. Olawuyi, who had diligently overseen the Zoological Garden for over a decade, was attacked while providing nourishment to the wild animals in their enclosure.

Despite the valiant efforts of fellow staff members to rescue him, Mr. Olawuyi sustained severe injuries from the lion’s ambush.

In response to the tragedy, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, led a management team to the scene for an immediate assessment and has since ordered a thorough investigation into the incident’s causes.

Upon arrival, the Vice Chancellor was briefed by Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, confirming the unsuccessful attempts to save Mr. Olawuyi’s life.

The entire university community, including management, staff, and students, has been plunged into mourning over the loss of the dedicated veterinary technologist.

As a precautionary measure, the university took the decision to euthanize the aggressive lion responsible for the attack.

Mr. Olawuyi had nurtured the lions since their birth on campus nine years ago, making the tragic turn of events even more poignant.

The university management has reached out to Mr. Olawuyi’s widow and children, offering condolences and urging them to find solace in the belief that life is in the hands of a higher power.

This lamentable incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with working closely with wild animals, despite all precautions taken.