A lion named Bob Jr., known as the “King of the Serengeti” was killed by rival lions on Saturday.
The fearsome wildcat, also known as Snyggve, has ruled its territory for seven years along with its brother Tryggve, who is also presumed dead.
“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,” Fredy Shirima, a Serengeti conservation officer, told the BBC.
The Serengeti is home to around 3,000 lions. National Geographic reports that adult males can live to be around 12 years old.
Bob Jr., named after Bob Marley, was about 10 years old. He had a distinctive black mane and was often spotted by groups of wild animals roaming the park.
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He reportedly didn’t put up a fight nor did he resist when he was attacked on Saturday.
BBC News reports that conservationists are preparing a private funeral for Bob Jr, although details are yet to be announced.
Some conservationists have said that Bob Jr. — believed to be around 10 years old and named after his father, Bob Marley — enjoyed his celebrity status because he was always so easily recognizable.
Bob jr He was reportedly not fighting when he was attacked and killed on Saturday.
Wildlife officials are preparing for a private funeral on a date to be announced.
The Serengeti in northern Tanzania is home to around 3,000 lions and is popular with both local and foreign tourists.
Thank you letters to the fallen king have been posted online, including from tour operators.
