A zookeeper has passed away after being attacked by a lion in front of shocked visitors at a zoo.
Babaji Daule was a seasoned lion handler at the Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, located in Nigeria’s Ogun state.
Reports indicate that the 35-year-old had taken a group of visitors after hours to demonstrate the lion’s feeding routine on Saturday evening (September 28).
Tragically, during the presentation, the lion attacked Babaji and fatally mauled him.
A statement from police spokesperson Omolala Odutola stated: “The lion inflicted serious fatal injuries to the man’s neck.”
Officers had to shoot the lion to “release its grip on the handler,” with a statement from the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) adding: “To prevent further mutilation of the body, the animal was put down immediately by personnel of the park.”
The statement further mentioned that Babaji had left a safety protection gate open while feeding the animal.
The explanation given was that Babaji felt ‘comfortable’ around the lion.
The statement read: “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.”
According to the Daily Post Nigeria, the OOPL also stated: “It is important to state that this activity fell completely outside the standard feeding routine of the park.”
The incident has reportedly raised concerns about the regulation of zoos housing dangerous animals.
In the case of the Presidential Library Wildlife Park, information on the park’s website notes: “Highlights of our Zoo’s collection are lions, spotted and striped hyenas, a Marabou Stork, pythons and a striking aviary that houses several species of fowl.”
The zoo’s website states that it is home to over 140 indigenous and exotic wild animals.
It explains that the zoo was established to promote wildlife conservation, educate the public about the natural world, and boost tourism.
A police statement regarding the tragedy said: “On September 28, 2024, at about 7:40 hrs [p.m. local time] the Chief Security Officer of 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.”