A zookeeper in Nigeria was killed over the weekend after he left the safety locks on his lion cap unsecured, causing the animal to maul him.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria. Police said Babaji Daule, 35, described as a “trained lion keeper”, died of fatal injuries to his neck after he “carelessly” neglected to secure the locks and barricade the animal's enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal.
Unfortunately, the lion was later shot to “escape its grip” on Daule, according to a statement from the presidential library, Nigeria reported. Premium Times. It was reported that around the time of the attack, the keeper was taking guests to see the lion's feeding routine.
“Considering some guests arriving after the park's closing time, the zookeeper agreed to take the guests to demonstrate the lion's feeding routine in its inner enclosure,” the statement said. The statement was included. “It seems like you feel comfortable around the animal, [Daule] The security guard continued to feed the animal, leaving the door open. “He was attacked by the animal and died at the scene.”
“To prevent further mutilation of the body, the animal was immediately placed on the ground by park staff,” the statement said.
Police confirmed Daule's body was later removed and taken to a local hospital morgue. Authorities are also said to be investigating the incident because his feeding routine was “completely outside the standards” of the park.