A famous lion known as “the king of the Serengeti” has been killed by rivals. Tour operators and visitors to the national park in Tanzania bid an emotional farewell to “the legend” who was lion Bob Junior.
Bob Junior, named after his father, who in turn was named after reggae legend Bob Marley, was the absolute king of the famous Serengeti park for seven years, with the help of his brother Tryggve.
The Lion King, also known locally as Snyggve, has been described as “the coolest cat” in the game park, who had a very formidable reputation among friend and foe alike. He was also very famous among tourists; you recognized him immediately: extremely photogenic, with a distinctive black mane and a tough, powerful look.
Knocked off the throne
But the king is no more. He was killed by younger rivals on Saturday, in a natural struggle for power. “The younger lions wanted to overthrow Bob Junior,” Serengeti conservation officer Fredy Shirima told the BBC. “An incident like this usually happens when the head of the pride gets old or sometimes when other lions are not happy with how he controls the territory.”
Bob Junior was reportedly about 10 years old. Male lions in the wild rarely live past 10 years, partly because they are sometimes dangerously injured in fights with other lions. Lionesses can age quite a bit with the support of the pride. In captivity, lions sometimes live to be over 25 years old.
“Apparently coordinated attacks”
Shirima told the BBC that Bob Junior’s closest associate, his brother Tryggve, was also believed to have been killed. “We are still trying to confirm this.” What is certain is that he too was attacked. The Serengeti protection officer speaks of two separate, but apparently coordinated, attacks. Bob Junior reportedly didn’t put up much resistance when he was attacked and killed out of the blue.
Liked to see
According to conservationists, the lion king has enjoyed his celebrity status in recent years. He liked to show off. And he was also loved to be seen. Rangers from the Serengeti are now preparing a special burial for him. Online, tour operators and tourists are sharing tributes to the fallen king. In it, Bob Junior is called “legendary”, “majestic” and “iconic”.
Daniel Carrion
@carriondaniel
A total of about 3,000 lions live in the Serengeti, in northern Tanzania, the BBC adds. The beautiful natural park is very popular with both local and foreign tourists. Now a new reign of a new lion king begins in the park.
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