The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into circumstances leading to the death of a man who was allegedly attacked by one of the lions at the Accra Zoo.
The incident, according to the Ghana Forestry Commission, happened on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at about 12:00 after officials of the Accra Zoo, on a routine patrol, noticed the lifeless body of the deceased in the lion’s enclosure.
A police statement said they are working with the management of the Zoo and the forestry commission on the investigation.
“After the necessary forensic examination of the scene, the body has been removed and deposited at the Police Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“The police are working with the management of the zoo and the Forestry Commission to get to the bottom of this unfortunate incident,” they assured.
Meanwhile, the Forestry Commission who confirmed the incident said the deceased, a middle-aged man ‘an intruder’ had jumped the security fences and entered the lion’s den.
It added noted that “the intruder was attacked and injured by one of the lions, within the inner fencing of the enclosure and added that he was confirmed “dead from injuries sustained”.
According to the Forestry Commission, “the motive of the intruder is yet to be determined.”
“Accra Zoo authorities successfully coaxed the lions into a secure hold and invited the Achimota Police to convey the body and commence investigations. We wish to confirm that the lion, the lioness, and the two (2) cubs remain secured in their enclosure at the Accra Zoo.”
Forestry Commission further denies purported reportage that the lions had escaped from their enclosure leading to the incident.
Here’s the full statement
