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The Killing of a Lion King: Internet heartbroken as world's oldest lion Loonkito is speared to death

A user wrote, 'An old once strong male that has seen many things over his eventful life. He fought all his life by some of the marks on his face!'

KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA: Loonkito, a 19-year-old Kenyan lion, who is believed to have one of the world’s oldest “King of the Jungle,” reportedly died after being speared by a group of herders, wildlife officials announced. The lion was speared to death by Maasai morans (warriors) on Wednesday, May 10, after he was caught preying on livestock in Olkelunyiet village.

The great predator was reportedly adored by wildlife conservationists as the majority of lions do not typically survive for nearly two decades in the wild, the Daily Mail reported. He was also dubbed the “legendary big cat warrior” by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for defending his territory for over a decade. Loonkito reportedly visited a village located on the outskirts of Amboseli National Park, which is known as the best place to get closer to free-ranging elephants and other wildlife species in Africa.

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Who was Loonkito?

Loonkito was a 19-year-old Kenyan lion and considered to be one of the oldest in the world. He was born in 2004 and while he cannot be officially confirmed as the world’s oldest lion, he surpassed the average survival age of male lions, especially in Amboseli’s ecosystem. Back in 2010, Loonkito and his brother Ambogga took over the prime territory in the heart of Amboseli National Park.

While Ambogga died in a territorial fight in 2017, Loonkito continued to reign on his own until his recent death. He was one of the last greatest and oldest lion kings in Africa. In the wake of Loonkito’s death, KWS spokesman, Paul Jinaro said, “It was an old lion that had issues... getting prey on its own and livestock is easy prey.” He added, “A normal lion would go for wildlife inside the park.”

“People need to be sensitised on looking for a way to alert us and then we can take animals back to the parks,” Jinaro mentioned. Conservation group Lion Guardians remembered Loonkito 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 group shared on Facebook.

‘Essence of strength and resilience’

Social media users shared their condolences in the wake of Loonkito’s death. “Loonkito, considered the oldest wild male lion in the world, died yesterday in Kenya at age 19. He was the essence of strength and resilience,” one tweeted. “Those 19 years were rough from the looks of him. RIP big kitty,” another added. “I’ve never seen an elderly lion. Beautiful. May he rest in peace,” a third commented.

“An old once strong male that has seen many things over his eventful life. He fought all his life by some of the marks on his face! Hoping he past in his sleep & not from the circle of life. As Mother Nature can be cruel some times. Rest In Peace,” another mentioned. “May you have land far and wide to roam in your next journey, Great Loonkito,” a tweeter wrote. One said, “Loonkito looked like he'd been through a lot. Sweet big old cat” while another stated, “What makes it even more tragic is it was not a natural death.”

One twitter user wrote, “Loonkito, the legend. As you are aware, he was killed by herders! I can rant about it, but it's not going to bring him back. I am angry and upset that a legend like Loonkito died in such horrific circumstances. He deserved better than this. Sorry Loonkito.” Another added, “So very sad but least he was given the dignity to live his life until the end Loonkito (2004 - 2023) has passed away, possibly the oldest male lion in Africa. He was truly a king”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.