Real 'Lion King' Killed by Young Rival Competitor

Lion 'Bob Junior' Who Ruled the Serengeti for 7 Years

A lion famous as the king of Africa's Serengeti was recently killed after being outcompeted.

On the 15th (local time), the British BBC reported, "Package tour operators and visitors to Serengeti National Park mourned online the death of the legendary lion Bob Junior, also known as 'Snigbe.'

In Africa, lions' names are often given by researchers, conservationists, or guides. Bob Junior was well known on the Serengeti plains as the most photogenic and magnificent feline.

The "Lion King" who ruled the African Serengeti plains, 'Bob Junior,' was recently killed.
[Photo source= SNS capture]

He is said to have ruled the Serengeti plains for seven years with the help of his younger brother Trigbe. However, BBC reported that younger lions appear to have attacked and killed the two brothers.

Serengeti conservation manager Freddy Sirima explained on the broadcast, "They wanted to overthrow Bob Junior," adding, "Such incidents usually occur when the leader of the pride grows old or when other male lions become dissatisfied with his control over the vast territory."

He continued, "It seems Bob Junior's brother met the same fate," and "The two lions were likely victims of separate but premeditated attacks."

Some conservationists noted that Bob Junior gained fame because he was always easily noticeable. Bob Junior was about 10 years old and was named after his father, Bob Marley.

BBC reported that Bob Junior did not fight back and was killed when attacked on the 11th. Wildlife protection officials are said to be preparing a special funeral for Bob Junior.

Meanwhile, the Serengeti plains in northern Tanzania, home to about 3,000 lions, remain popular among domestic and international tourists.