Zookeeper Killed by Lion After Leaving Gate Open Throughout Feeding: Studies

A zookeeper has been killed by a lion at a wildlife park in Nigeria after failing to safe the security locks on the animal’s enclosure throughout feeding time.

On the night of Saturday, Sept. 28, educated handler Babaji Daule, 35, was mauled to dying by the animal at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park in Ogun State capital Abeokuta, per the BBC and native newspapers the Daily Post Nigeria, the Daily Independent and the Premium Times.

In response to the BBC, OOPL confirmed the incident occurred whereas Daule, from Bauchi State, was taking friends to see the lion’s feeding routine after hours.

“The zookeeper, apparently, feeling comfy with the animal, left the security safety gate open and proceeded to feed the animal. He was mauled by the animal and died on the spot,” OOPL mentioned in an announcement, per the outlet.

“To forestall additional mutilation of the physique, the animal was put down instantly by personnel of the park,” it added.

“It is very important state that this exercise fell utterly exterior the usual feeding routine of the park,” OOPL added in an announcement, per the Every day Publish Nigeria.

Native police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the assault to reporters, in accordance with the outlet, stating that the sufferer suffered “deadly accidents” to his neck.

“On September 28, 2024, at about 7:40 hrs [p.m. local time] the Chief Safety Officer of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library knowledgeable the divisional police officer {that a} 35-year-old man named Babaji Daule from Bauchi State, who’s a educated handler of a male lion on the Zoological Backyard in OOPL Abeokuta, tragically misplaced his life,” the police assertion learn, per the Premium Occasions.

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In response to the paper, the sufferer’s physique “was eliminated and brought to the mortuary at Ijaye Common Hospital, whereas the wild lion was shot to launch its grip on the handler,” police acknowledged.

OOPL and Nigeria Police Drive did not instantly reply when contacted by PEOPLE.