Loonkito (2004 – 10 May 2023) was a wild lion from Kenya.[1]
Biography
The Kenya Wildlife Service described Loonkito in 2021 as a "legendary feline warrior" having defended his territory for more than a decade.[2] At the age of 19, Loonkito was speared to death by Maasai herders near Olkelunyiet village for preying on livestock.[3] Nine other lions were killed by herders during the week across the Amboseli National Park, following attacks on livestock.[4] Loonkito was believed to be the world's oldest lion, as most lions live to around 13.[5]
References
- ^ "One of world's oldest lions killed by herders in Kenya". phys.org. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ "Loonkito, l'un des plus vieux lions sauvages, est mort au Kenya". RTL Info (in French). 12 May 2023. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ "One of Kenya's oldest lions speared to death". NewsDay. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ "Six lions killed by herders in blow to Kenya's conservation push". Al Jazeera. 14 May 2023. Archived from the original on 14 May 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
- ^ "Wild lion Loonkiito, 'one of the world's oldest', killed in Kenya". BBC News. 12 May 2023. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
See also