A somber atmosphere enveloped the Zoological Garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, as the news of the fatal mauling of zookeeper Olabode Olawuyi by a lion spread like wildfire.
The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, has left the entire campus community reeling in shock and grief.
Olabode Olawuyi, a seasoned veterinary technologist who had devoted over a decade of his life to caring for the animals at the university’s zoological garden, met his untimely demise while performing his duties.
It was reported that he was feeding the animals in their den when a nine-year-old male lion launched a sudden and ferocious attack.
University spokesperson Abiodun Olanrewaju, in a solemn statement, conveyed the deep sorrow felt by the management, staff, and students of the institution.
The loss of Mr. Olawuyi, a respected member of the university community, has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, describing how Olawuyi’s colleagues rushed to his aid, risking their own safety in an attempt to rescue him from the jaws of the predator.
Despite their valiant efforts, the injuries inflicted by the lion proved fatal.
The gravity of the situation prompted the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, to suspend ongoing activities and personally assess the tragedy.
The abrupt end to the meeting underscored the severity of the incident and the need for immediate action.
Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, lamented the failure of all medical interventions to save Olawuyi’s life.
The decision was made to euthanize the aggressive lion, a painful but necessary step to ensure the safety of others.
The tragic irony of the situation was not lost on observers, as it was revealed that Olawuyi had been caring for the lions since their birth nearly a decade ago.
His bond with the animals, nurtured over years of dedicated service, only deepened the sense of loss felt by those who knew him.
In a gesture of solidarity and compassion, the university management dispatched a delegation to offer support to Olawuyi’s grieving family. Words of solace and encouragement were offered, acknowledging the profound pain of losing a loved one under such tragic circumstances.
Meanwhile, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire wasted no time in initiating a thorough investigation into the incident.
Determined to uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the tragedy, the Vice Chancellor underscored the university’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its staff and students.
As the campus community grapples with the shock and sorrow of this heartbreaking loss, memories of Olabode Olawuyi will endure as a testament to his passion for animal welfare and his dedicated service to the university.
In the wake of this tragedy, his legacy will live on, serving as a reminder of the inherent risks and responsibilities inherent in working closely with wild animals.
