World's oldest lion stabbed to death

Kenyan authorities say the world's oldest lion in the wild has died after being speared by a herder.

Loonkito has difficulty hunting wild animals. Photo: Gulf News

Loonkito, a 19-year-old male lion, was speared to death by Maasai warriors after wandering into a cattle pen on the outskirts of Amboseli National Park, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) spokesman Paul Jinaro reported on May 12. "The old lion had difficulty hunting for himself and cattle were easy prey," Jinaro said. "Lions normally hunt wild animals inside the park."

African lions typically live 18 years in the wild, according to conservation organization Cats for Africa. In 2021, KWS described Loonkito as a “legendary big cat warrior” who has defended his territory for more than a decade. Conservation organization Lion Guardians has called Loonkito a symbol of resilience and peaceful coexistence.

Reports of wild animals straying into human habitats in Kenya have increased in recent years as animals come under increasing pressure from expanding cities and poaching. Jinaro urged residents to find a way to alert authorities so they can reintroduce wild animals to national parks. In July 2021, a male lion caused a ruckus after straying from its habitat in Nairobi National Park into a densely populated area during the morning rush hour.

The park is just 7km from the centre of Kenya’s capital. There have been previous reports of animals escaping and wandering into the megacity of more than 4 million people. In December 2019, a lion mauled a man to death outside the park. In March 2016, another big cat was shot dead after attacking and injuring nearby residents.

In February 2016, two lions roamed through Kibera, a densely populated slum in the city, all day before returning to the national park. There are an estimated 2,500 lions living in Kenya, according to the 2021 national wildlife survey.

An Khang (According to Phys.org )

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