After preying on animals, Loonkiito, 19, passed suddenly on Wednesday night at Olkelunyiet Hamlet. The neighborhood borders Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya.
He was described as “the oldest male lion in our ecosystem and possibly in Africa” by the environmental protection group Lion Guardians. In the wild, lions often live to be 13 years old.
The Oldest Wild Lion
According to the World Wildlife Federation, lions are primarily found in Africa, with a minor number in India. KWS spokesman Paul Jinaro said the old and frail lion entered the hamlet from the park searching for food.
He was described as “very old” by Mr. Jinaro, who would not confirm whether he was the oldest lion in the country. Amboseli National Park’s Lion Guardians organization believes that droughts are “usually associated with an increase in human-lion conflict” as prey recovers and becomes harder to hunt.
- Loonkiito, 19, passed suddenly on Wednesday night at Olkelunyiet Hamlet.
- In the wild, lions often live to be 13 years old.
- Loonkiito was referred to as “a symbol of resilience and coexistence”.
In times of desperation, lions frequently turn to prey on animals, it said. Loonkiito was referred to as “a symbol of resilience and coexistence” and it was said that his passing was “a difficult situation for both sides, the people and the lion.”
Naturalist and CEO of WildlifeDirect Paula Kahumbu expressed her sorrow over the lion’s passing and urged lawmakers to pass legislation to protect the country’s wildlife.
She told the BBC that “lions are facing extinction and that this is the breaking point for human-wildlife conflict.” In the wild, lions normally live for around 13 years, though they can live considerably longer in captivity.
