Veterinary nurse killed by lion he nursed for nine years at OAU zoo

Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technician, has been killed by a lion in the zoological garden at the Obafemi Awolowo University. 

Abiodun Olarewaju, the university’s spokesperson, told TheCable that Olawuyi was wounded and killed by the nine-year-old lion on Monday afternoon.

He said the vet nurse had been in charge of the garden and caring for the lion for almost a decade until his “unfortunate death today”.

“The other members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue their boss but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities,” Olarewaju said.

“Saddened by this tragic event, the aggressive Lion has been euthanized.

“Mr Olawuyi has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about 9 years ago but, tragically, the male Lion killed the man who had been feeding them.”

The spokesperson said the university has sent a delegation to announce the death of Olawauyi to his family.

“Vice-chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire was informed on arrival, by Tirimisiyu Olatunji, the acting director of the university health and medical centre that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive.

“The University management has sent a delegation to the widow and children of the deceased, imploring them to take solace in God who gives life and also has the power to take life.

“Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.”