In a tragic accident at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Nigeria, a 35-year-old zookeeper, Babaji Daule, was mauled to death by a lion while conducting an after-hours tour. Daule, a trained lion handler, agreed to take visitors into the lion’s enclosure after the park had officially closed, despite the risks involved, according to park management. report from the New York Post.
The incident occurred on Saturday when Daule, feeling at ease with the animal, left the safety protection gate open while preparing to feed the lion. According to a statement released by the wildlife park, “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.”
In an attempt to prevent further mutilation of Daule’s body, the lion was shot dead shortly after the fatal attack. The park management emphasized that the feeding took place outside of normal park operating hours, stating, “It is important to state that this activity fell completely outside the standard feeding routine of the park.”
While it remains unclear whether Daule had received official permission to take guests into the enclosure after hours, police spokesperson Omolola Odutola highlighted a critical oversight. “Daule carelessly neglected to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal,” Odutola said in a statement. “This negligence allowed the lion to escape and attack the handler, resulting in fatal injuries to the handler’s neck and eventual death.” told People.
The lion was shot to release its grip on Daule, but unfortunately, he had already succumbed to his injuries. Following the incident, the park expressed its deep condolences to the zookeeper’s family. Management reassured the public of their commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards for both staff and visitors, as well as the welfare of the animals under their care.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers involved in working closely with wild animals, even for those who are professionally trained. The park is expected to conduct a thorough review of its safety protocols in the wake of this tragedy to prevent future accidents.
