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Shocking News from Nigeria

Tragedy Strikes: Loss of Dr. Olabode Olawuyi in Lion Attack

Published on: March 15, 2024
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Wild at Life e.V. is an international conservation & rescue NGO acting in the field of antipoaching, illegal wildlife trade, canned hunting, war zone / natural disaster rescue & animal welfare by providing them with safe habitat, promoting public awareness & community-led conservation,supporting wildlife conservation efforts & advocating for policies that protect & preserve natural habitat.

Wild at Life e.V. is a big part of the global effort to save wildlife. They help local communities by creating jobs and providing goods and services. Recently, we got a call from Dr. Olabode Olawuyi, who used to run a zoo at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He asked for help with 19 hungry wild animals left at the university, like lions, hyenas, ostriches, and more. Wild at Life e.V. wanted to move these animals to safer places in Africa, but the Nigerian Government said no. So, the we now giving emergency care and support to these animals on-site. This sad situation shows that many zoos in Nigeria are struggling without enough food, money, staff, or vets. Wild at Life e.V. is doing what they can to help these neglected animals.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the team at Wild at Life e.V. is reeling from the loss of Dr. Olabode Olawuyi, who tragically lost his life while caring for the lions he had dedicated nearly a decade to. Last Monday, Dr. Olawuyi was fatally attacked by a male lion named “Ton” after an oversight in safety protocols. Reports indicate that the lion’s enclosure door was mistakenly left open, leading to the devastating incident. Despite the heroic efforts of Dr. Olawuyi to save his assistant, the consequences were dire.
The NGO mourns the loss of this dedicated veterinary technologist and emphasizes the critical importance of stringent safety measures in wildlife conservation efforts.t. Sadly, Ton has since been put down.
Dr.Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, had been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about nine years ago. Wild at Life e.V. is in mourning & offering condolences to the family while paying tribute to Dr. Olawuyi as a good & humble man.
“The latest tragedy shows once again that safety measures are very important for conservation and rescue of wild animals. It is shocking to see such an unfortunate tragedy, a good & humble man losing his life. However, this incident wouldn’t in any way affect our NGO as conserving & rescuing wild animals. Fundraisers will help to improve safety measures & keep also remaining lions & other wild animals being conserved’’ said Asli Han Gedik, Wild at Life e.V. Founder & Chairman.

Wild at Life e.V. reiterates its warning that collective failure to act will continue to lead to tragic & fatal consequences. It is imperative to take action against criminals, smugglers & traffickers who prey on the most vulnerable. Wild at Life e.V. & partners continue to put fundraisers to actively engage wild animals who need help, raising awareness about the risks of victims to criminals responsible for their deadly survival challenge.

 

 

The Remaining Survivors of the Horror Zoo

In this picture, you can see the heartbreaking state they were in when we first found them—malnourished, weak, and suffering in terrible conditions. It was uncertain if they would even survive. But we refused to give up on these animals; we held onto hope with all our strength. Through dedicated care and unwavering support, they began to heal. Slowly but surely, they regained their strength and their will to live. Today, looking at them, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride and joy in their incredible recovery. It’s a testament to the resilience of these animals and the power of compassion and perseverance.

At this very moment, the lioness “Mirella” and the other 17 animals left on the premises need our help more urgently than ever before. Their future hangs in the balance, with each passing day becoming more critical. It’s a situation that would deeply sadden Dr. Olawuyi, who devoted his entire life to the care and wellbeing of these abandoned creatures. He would have wanted nothing more than to see them safe and thriving. Your immediate support is not just a lifeline; it’s a tribute to Dr. Olawuyi’s legacy and a beacon of hope for these animals who have already endured so much hardship. Join us in honoring his memory by ensuring that “Mirella” and her companions have the chance at a brighter tomorrow.

Down below you can see the before and after in direct comparison.

We are not seperating Ton and Mirella in the adoptions, because it would be wrong for them. Mirella is still alove and she needs angels to protect her.

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