Current:Home > Stocks11 lions speared to death — including one of Kenya's oldest — as herders carry out "retaliatory" killings-InfoLens
11 lions speared to death — including one of Kenya's oldest — as herders carry out "retaliatory" killings
View Date:2024-12-23 11:36:00
One of Kenya's oldest wild lions was killed by herders and the government has expressed concern as six more lions were speared at another village on Saturday, resulting in the "retaliatory killing of 11 lions," in the past week, officials said.
The male lion named Loonkiito was 19 years old and was described as frail by Kenya Wildlife Service spokesperson Paul Jinaro, who said it wandered out of the Amboseli national park into a village in search of food on Thursday night.
Six other lions from the same national park were speared by herders after they killed 11 goats and a dog in Mbirikani area, Kajiado county. The deaths brought to 11 the number of lions killed by herders last week in escalated human-wildlife conflict that has worried the government.
Tourism minister Peninah Malonza met locals in Mbirikani area on Sunday and urged them not to spear wandering lions and to instead reach out to the wildlife service.
"The meeting centered on peaceful and harmonious coexistence between the community and wildlife," Kenya Wildlife Service said in a social media statement.
The government and conservation groups have a compensation program for herders whose livestock is killed by wild animals.
But herders have become more protective after losing livestock to a drought that has been termed as the worst in decades in the East Africa region.
Conservation group Big Life Foundation's Craig Miller said the killing of Loonkiito "was unfortunate" because he was the oldest lion in the Amboseli national park.
"While we are relieved there were no human injuries, this isolated but tragic incident is a harsh illustration of the challenges in ensuring co-existence between human and wildlife," the group said in a statement on Facebook. "Big Life remains committed to the wellbeing of both humans and animals in the Greater Amboseli ecosystem and will continue to work with the broader community who supports conservation initiatives as we recover from this event."
Wild lions rarely live past 15 years, according to conservationists.
- In:
- Kenya
veryGood! (261)
Related
- As CFP rankings punish SEC teams, do we smell bias against this proud and mighty league?
- Teen who nearly drowned in Texas lake thanks friend who died trying to rescue her: Report
- Armie Hammer sells his truck to save money after cannibalism scandal
- Workers are breaching Klamath dams, which will let salmon swim freely for first time in a century
- Biden, Harris participate in Veterans Day ceremony | The Excerpt
- Reports: Veteran pitcher Rich Hill to rejoin Red Sox at age 44
- Railroad BNSF stresses safety but is still held back by longstanding industry issues, report finds
- 'Lord of the Rings' series 'The Rings of Power' is beautiful but empty in Season 2
- Judith Jamison, a dancer both eloquent and elegant, led Ailey troupe to success over two decades
- Bud Light rolls out limited-edition college football team cans: See which 26 teams made the cut
Ranking
- Don't Miss This Sweet Moment Between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Dads at the Kansas City Chiefs Game
- Ben Affleck is 'not dating' RFK Jr.'s daughter Kick Kennedy, rep says
- Officials thought this bald eagle was injured. It was actually just 'too fat to fly'.
- Mega Millions winning numbers for August 27 drawing; Jackpot climbs to $582 million
- 2025 Medicare Part B premium increase outpaces both Social Security COLA and inflation
- Museum opens honoring memory of Juan Gabriel, icon of Latin music
- 2 Indiana men charged in heat deaths of 9 dogs in an uncooled truck
- Don't Miss Kate Spade Outlet's Labor Day Sale: Chic Bags, Wristlets & More Up to 81% off, Starting at $19
Recommendation
-
Flurry of contract deals come as railroads, unions see Trump’s election looming over talks
-
Dunkin's pumpkin spice latte is back: See what else is on the fall menu
-
Video shows long-tailed shark struggling to get back into the ocean at NYC beach
-
Travis Kelce invests in racehorse aptly named Swift Delivery
-
Skai Jackson announces pregnancy with first child: 'My heart is so full!'
-
Colorado plans to relocate wolf pack as reintroduction effort stumbles amid livestock attacks
-
Defense seeks to undermine accuser’s credibility in New Hampshire youth center sex abuse case
-
Auditor faults Pennsylvania agency over fees from Medicaid-funded prescriptions