‘Legendary Big Cat Warrior’: One of world’s oldest lions speared to death in Kenya

In 2021, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) described Loonkito as a ‘legendary big cat warrior’ who defended its territory by defeating other lions for more than 10 years.

According to conservation group Lion Guardians praised the big cat as ‘a symbol of resilience and coexistence.’

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Loonkito (2004 - 2023), the oldest male lion. in our ecosystem and possibly in Africa," the non-profit said on Facebook.

Notably, the African lions on an average have a lifespan of up to 18 years in the wild but Loonkito surpassed it and was 19-year-old.

In recent years, wildlife straying into human habitats has increased as animals face growing pressure from cities expanding into ancient migration and hunting grounds. "People need to be sensitized on looking for a way to alert us, and then we can take the animals back to the parks," stated KWS official Jinaro.

Notably, the park is only seven kilometers away from Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and wild animals straying into the chaotic metropolis is not a new occurrence. In 2019, a wild lion mauled a man to death outside the park, and in 2016, a big cat was shot dead after attacking and injuring a nearby resident.

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