Lion Mauls, Kills Zookeeper After Safety Gate Was Left Unsecured

A zookeeper in Nigeria was killed over the weekend after leaving the security locks on the lion closure unsecured, leading to the animal mauling him.

The incident occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, the capital city of the Ogun State in southwest Nigeria, on Saturday evening. Police said that Babaji Daule, 35, who was described as a "trained lion handler," died from fatal injuries to his neck after "carelessly" neglecting to secure the locks and barricade the animal's enclosure before approaching the cage to feed it.

Unfortunately, the lion was then shot to "release its grip" on Daule, according to a statement from the presidential library, per Nigeria's Premium Times . The handler had reportedly been taking guests to see the lion's feeding routine after hours when the attack happened.

"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 statement read. "Apparently, feeling comfortable with the animal, [Daule] 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," the statement added.

Police confirmed that the Daule's body was then removed and taken to the mortuary at a local hospital. Authorities are also said to be investigating the incident due to the fact that the feeding routine "fell completely out of the standard" of the park.