Guest
By JAMES LEWIN - On March 11th, I witnessed something I wish I never had too. My favorite lion known as Bob Jr (Snyggve) who I have spent considerable time with over the past 3 years has tragically been killed in The Serengeti. Early in the morning, we were surprised to find 3 nomad males walking purposefully within Bob Jr’s territory. We quickly drove on to find Bob Jr close to where we had left him the night before near Kibumbu Kopjes. We soon realized the 3 males were tracking his scent and Bob Jr was hiding low in the grass as if he knew something was going on. It wasn’t long before the 3 males were onto him and began running in his direction. Bob Jr heard them and began to flee. The 3 much younger and fitter males caught up with him within 1km and the tragedy began to unfold. Even though Bob Jr was stronger than each of them, he stood no chance against 3. We soon learned that these 3 nomads were part of a group of 7 who had reportedly killed Bob Jr’s companion and fellow Sametu pride leader known as Marley a few days earlier leaving Bob Jr vulnerable. Both my guide Claude and I had tears in our eyes and were shaking with horror as we watching the brutal attack take place. It is such a tragedy to loose one of the most iconic, magnificent and famous lions of all time in The Serengeti. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and a great number of lions that he has fathered over his many years as the dominant male of the Sametu pride. Rest in peace Bob Jr & Marley. The guides, conservationists, photographers and animal lovers who knew him will certainly never forget him. #lionfight #lionserengeti
