A lion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has tragically killed its handler, Babaji Daule.
The 35-year-old Daule was reportedly attacked while attempting to feed the lion on Saturday.
In a statement released by the park management, it was revealed that the deceased, a trained handler of the male lion, had agreed to demonstrate the feeding process for some guests after the park’s closing hours.
Unfortunately, Daule neglected to secure the locks and barricades of the lion’s enclosure.
“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,” the management said. “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.
“Confirming the incident to reporters on Sunday, police spokesperson Omolola Odutola explained that the handler sustained fatal injuries to his neck, leading to his death.
She said, “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.”The body has since been taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, Abeokuta.
Meanwhile, the park management, while extending their condolences to the deceased’s family, reassured the public that they are committed to ensuring the highest level of safety for all visitors, staff, and animals at the facility.
