In a tragic turn of events, Bob Junior, also known as Snyggve, the head of a pride of lions in the Serengeti National Park, has been killed by younger and fitter rivals.
The lion was well-known for his photogenic appearance and was a fan favorite with tour operators and visitors. Along with his brother Tryggve, Bob Junior ruled the pride for more than seven years.
The lion was believed to have relished his celebrity status and links to legendary singer Bob Marley. Unfortunately, he did not put up a fight when he was attacked by vicious younger rivals on Saturday. Tryggve is also believed to have been killed in a separate attack.
Wildlife conservationists are planning a special burial for the brothers. Serengeti conservation official, Fredy Shirima, told the BBC that the younger rivals would have been plotting to depose their leader.
According to Shirima, “These incidents normally happen when the head of a pride becomes old or sometimes when the other male lions are not happy with his control over a large territory.”
Shirima also revealed that the environment workers were trying to ascertain exactly what fate befell Tryggve, as the attacks that killed the brothers were separate.
The Serengeti is home to around 3,000 lions, and in the wild, adult male lions have a lifespan of between eight and ten years. Bob Junior’s death is a sad reminder of the dangers that big cats face in their natural habitats.
Although he may be gone, the lion will always be remembered for his impressive reign over his pride and his photogenic appearance. Tributes from visitors and tour operators have poured in online to pay their respects to the “King of the Serengeti.”
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