Accra Zoo death: Bureau of Public Safety demands answers

The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) is demanding answers on what might have led to the killing of a middle-aged man at the Accra Zoo over the weekend.

The middle-aged man allegedly scaled the fence of the Accra Zoo and entered the lions enclosure where one of the large cats attacked him.

“The intruder was attacked and injured by one of the lions, within the inner fencing of the enclosure,” the Forestry Commission’s statement said on Sunday. “The intruder has been confirmed dead from injuries sustained and the body has been conveyed to the morgue.”

Reacting to the development, the Executive director of BPS, Nana Yaw Akwada, questioned the safety and security measures at the Accra Zoo.

“Forestry Commission need to provide better and further particulars on events leading to the death of a man (not an intruder) within their facility. Did they report the matter to the police before disposing off the body at the morgue? Have the police investigated the matter? The FC itself, has it done any investigations on how someone can wander into a lion’s den under their watch?” Akwada posted on Facebook.

Police investigations

Meanwhile, the police have confirmed the incident, saying they have begun investigations into it.

“The victim who is yet to be identified was found dead in the lion enclosure of the zoo on 28 August 2022,” the police posted on their social media pages.

“After the necessary forensic examination of the scene, the body was removed and has been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Below is the full Forestry Commission statement:

Fred Dzakpata

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