An impressive lion famed for its amber eyes and thick golden mane has died in a battle for territory in Tanzania’s Serengeti Nationwide Park, in accordance with wildlife officers.
Twelve-year-old Bob Junior was mauled to demise by youthful rivals final week, Tanzania Nationwide Parks Authority spokesperson Catherine Mbene informed AFP.
“It’s common for animals to battle for territory at a sure age, particularly lions,” Ms Mbene mentioned.
“Bob Junior was killed within the battle.”
Typically known as the King of the Serengeti, the lion was a simple spot amongst vacationers and tour operators due to its thick mane – a trait inherited from father Bob.
The patriarch’s nickname was impressed by the dreadlocks of Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley.
Ms Mbene mentioned the authority was treating Bob Jr’s demise as pure.
“In pure conservation, we do not alter something, and that is why we couldn’t shift the ageing lion to a sanctuary or different protected place.”
African lions sometimes have a lifespan of as much as 18 years within the wild, in accordance with conservation group Cats for Africa.
Serengeti in northern Tanzania is estimated to have between 3,000 and three,500 lions, in accordance with wildlife officers.
However the huge cats are beneath rising strain as human inhabitants expands into historical migration and searching grounds.
In 2020, Tanzania relocated 36 lions from the Serengeti after assaults on people and cattle.
