Tourists at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Nigeria, witnessed a tragic incident as a zookeeper, Babaji Daule, 35, was fatally attacked by a lion during a feeding demonstration on September 28, 2024. Daule had mistakenly left the safety gate open while feeling at ease with the lion, leading to the fatal attack that resulted in severe neck injuries causing his immediate death.
In response to the attack, park staff had to euthanize the lion to prevent further harm to Daule’s body in front of shocked visitors at the popular tourist attraction. Authorities are investigating the incident, noting that Daule may have neglected safety procedures by failing to secure the enclosure properly before approaching the lion.
The management of the park clarified that the attack occurred outside the scheduled feeding time and expressed condolences to Daule’s family. They emphasized that ensuring the safety of both staff and visitors is a top priority. Additionally, several months later, a German businessman, Bernd Kebbel, 59, was tragically killed by a lioness during a safari in Namibia on May 30, 2025. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism confirmed the lioness was euthanized after the incident. Kebbel, a former owner of the Offroad Centre, was camping with his wife and friends near Hoanib River when the fatal attack occurred.
