Babaji Daule, 35, was a trained lion handler and zookeeper at the Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta in Nigeria’s Ogun state. On September 28, Daule had taken some visitors after hours to show them the lion’s feeding routine.
However, feeding the lion turned deadly as Daule was attacked and mauled to death by the lion, inflicting “serious fatal injuries to the man’s neck.”
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) released a statement
Embed from Getty ImagesThe OOPL released a statement, clarifying that they had to put down the lion “to prevent further mutilation of the body.”
The statement also explained that Daule left a safety protection gate open while feeding the lion as he felt “comfortable” around the animal.
Concerns about security
Embed from Getty ImagesThe attack raised concerns and questions about how the zoo handles safety when it comes down to dangerous animals, such as the lion that attacked Daule.
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The OOPL, however, stated that “this activity fell completely outside the standard feeding routine of the park.”
They have other animals, too
Embed from Getty ImagesInformation on the Presidential Library Wildlife Park’s website states that its zoo collection includes “lions, spotted and striped hyenas, a Marabou Stork, pythons and a striking aviary that houses several species of fowl.”
It also states that it houses more than 140 indigenous and exotic wild animals.
Why the zoo was founded
Embed from Getty ImagesThe zoo was founded to encourage wildlife conservation, educate the public about the natural world, and raise awareness about it. It was also created to promote and encourage tourism in Nigeria.
Daule wasn’t the only one
Embed from Getty ImagesDaule’s tragic death comes less than a year after the death of another zookeeper, also due to a lion attacking and killing him.
The zookeeper’s death took place at the Obafemi Awolowo University, also in southwestern Nigeria, which raised people’s concern even more about the safety of handling animals.
What happened next
Embed from Getty ImagesThe police stated that Duale’s body was “removed and taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital.”
As for the lion, it was shot to “release its grip on the handler.”
Police are investigating
Embed from Getty ImagesThe park’s management stated that investigations have begun, and the matter has been reported to the police for investigation.
The state police command confirmed the accident through its spokesperson, Omolola Odutola. Odutola accused Daule of negligence, failing to secure the locks before feeding the lion.
Some wild animals have escaped captivity
Embed from Getty ImagesA few weeks ago, some wild animals escaped captivity after Borno state had been flooded.
Ali Donbest, the man who runs the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, disclosed that he did not know exactly how many animals are free but a hunt has been initiated to locate them.
Some animals have been captured
Embed from Getty ImagesDonbest stated that fortunately, they had been able to recapture the ostrich seen on the street then, in addition to detecting the location of a crocodile.
However, the crocodiles were hard to reach in other locations due to the floods.
The flood might have dispersed animals from other locations
Embed from Getty ImagesDonbest said that the flood that hit the state might have also dispersed animals from other locations. He talked about a report that a hippo was seen somewhere and they don’t have hippos in their zoo “so the waters might also disperse animals from other locations too.”
