Oldest Lion in Amboseli National Park Killed by Herders

The oldest lion in Amboseli National Park named Lonkiito has died after herders speared it for preying on livestock in a village that borders Amboseli National Park. 

The feeble lion separated itself from the pride and moved to the village in search of food. Lonkiito's reign frayed in 2017, after years of dominating females and cubs.  In the same year, Lonkiito lost his brother in a territorial battle that left him badly injured. Since 2017, the old lion has been floundering in protecting his family. 

The villagers managed to kill the animal within less than 15 minutes of its entry into the cowshed. Its old age made it impossible for it to defend itself. No human or domestic animal was harmed during the tussle. 

 "The animal entered the cowshed around 9 pm when the owners attacked him with spears before he attacked the animals. It was weak due to old age and succumbed to the spear wounds in its head," said a source. 

The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) arrived and took the carcass. Mr Daniel Sampu, Senior Coordinator at Big Life Foundation said that the scene highlighted the pressing human-wildlife conflict along the Amboseli National Park. He added that the pastoralist communities are desperate to protect the few livestock remaining after the recent severe drought wiped out the majority. 

KWS reports that Amboseli National Park is home to over 100 lions. In 2012, KWS reported a similar occurrence when locals killed 6 lions that mauled 28 livestock in Kajiado County.