Zookeeper mauled to death by lion in Nigeria

A zookeeper has been mauled to decease by a lion successful south-western Nigeria aft helium failed to unafraid the locks connected its enclosure erstwhile helium went to provender it, constabulary say.

The victim, a 35-year-old man, worked astatine the Presidential Library Wildlife Park, owned by erstwhile Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, successful Abeokuta, superior of Ogun state.

Local constabulary spokesperson Omolola Odutola said successful a connection that "the lion inflicted superior fatal injuries to the man’s neck".

He said the lion was past changeable to "release its grip connected the handler".

According to a connection from the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the zookeeper had taken immoderate guests to spot the lion's feeding regular aft hours connected Saturday evening.

“The zookeeper, apparently, feeling comfy with the animal, near the information extortion gross unfastened and proceeded to provender the animal. He was mauled by the carnal and died connected the spot.

“To forestall further mutilation of the body, the carnal was enactment down instantly by unit of the park.”

The unfortunate has been named arsenic Babaji Daule, described by constabulary arsenic a trained lion handler.

It comes little than a twelvemonth aft different zookeeper was attacked and killed by a lion astatine the Obafemi Awolowo University, besides successful south-western Nigeria.

The incidental has triggered concerns with radical raising questions astir the country’s regulations and absorption of zoos and handling of chaotic animals.