Lion kills Handler at Obasanjo Library Zoo
A 35-year-old zoo worker, Babaji Daule, tragically lost his life after being attacked by a lion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) zoo in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The incident, which occurred on September 28, 2024, has left the community in shock and raised concerns about zoo safety protocols. Daule, an experienced lion handler, had been in charge of the zoo for over a decade.
The spokesman for the Ogun State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Omolola Odutola, confirmed the fatal attack. According to Odutola, Daule, an indigene of Bauchi State, was attacked while attempting to feed the lion. The animal reportedly seized him by the neck, inflicting fatal injuries. Despite efforts to rescue him, Daule succumbed to his wounds shortly after the attack.
This tragic incident mirrors a similar occurrence in February 2024 when a nine-year-old lion at Obafemi Awolowo University’s zoo in Osun State killed its handler during feeding. Both incidents highlight the dangers faced by zoo workers, particularly when safety protocols are not followed strictly.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Daule’s death may have been the result of a grave oversight. Reports indicate that he failed to properly secure the lion’s enclosure before entering to feed the animal. The unlocked safety gate allowed the lion to escape and launch its fatal attack. “The lion handler carelessly neglected to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal,” Odutola said.
Efforts to save Daule were unsuccessful, as the lion had already inflicted severe injuries by the time help arrived. The authorities had no choice but to euthanize the lion to recover Daule’s body, which was subsequently transported to the morgue at Ijaiye General Hospital.
In a statement, the OOPL zoo management explained that the incident occurred after the park’s official closing hours. Daule, attempting to accommodate some late-arriving guests, deviated from the park’s standard feeding routine. “The zookeeper, feeling comfortable with the animal, left the safety gate open and proceeded to feed the lion. He was attacked and killed on the spot,” the statement read.
The zoo’s management stressed that this feeding took place outside the park’s usual schedule and under non-standard conditions. They expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of Daule, who had been a valued member of the zoo’s team for over ten years. The lion, which was well-known to Daule, was put down immediately to prevent further harm or mutilation of the body.
The Ogun State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragic event. Odutola confirmed that zoo officials are cooperating with law enforcement to determine if there was any negligence involved or if safety protocols were violated.
This latest incident has reignited discussions about the safety measures in place at zoos across Nigeria, particularly when it comes to the handling of dangerous animals. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of safety guidelines to prevent future tragedies.
