A zookeeper with the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park has been killed by a lion in the park.
In a statement on Sunday, the management of OOPL Wildlife Park said the incident happened on Saturday evening.
The statement read: “The zookeeper, at the heeding of some guests who came after the closing time of the park, agreed to take the guests to demonstrate the feeding routine of the lion in its inner enclosure. 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.
“To prevent further mutilation of the body, the animal was put down immediately by personnel of the park. It is important to state that this activity fell completely out of the standard feeding routine of the park.
“Investigations have begun, and the matter has since been reported to the police for their investigation.
“The park commisserates with the family of the deceased.
“We wish to assure the public that the park is committed to the highest standard of safety and protection both for visiting members of the public, wildlife staff and for the Wildlife itself”.