Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has announced the death of the iconic Nairobi National Park lion, Sirikoi, at the age of 8 years.
In a statement dated Saturday, June 18, KWS stated that Sirikoi passed on after developing health complications.
Sirikoi was one of the most iconic lions at the Nairobi National Park, the only game park located within a city.
He was born in January 2014 in the Sosian Valley before being moved to the city where his stature was a wonder to park visitors.
He came from one of the most notable families of lions that are known for being a dominant and charismatic pride.
"Sirikoi was a majestic lion with tactical and amazing hunting skills that enabled him to take down big preys like giraffes and buffaloes solely alone.
"Notably, he had a distinctive dark mane which is a strong indicator of a lion’s health, vigour and strength as well as testosterone levels," the KWS statement read in part.
KWS stated that preparations were underway for him to be immortalised at the National Museum of Kenya as an icon of Nairobi National Park.
"May your spirit live on in your offspring and possibly with the two other females carrying your cubs," KWS mourned Sirikoi.
Sirikoi was also among one of the most photographed lions due to his hunting skills.
Wildlife photographer, Jose Fragozo, captured Sirikoi facing off with a Buffalo in a picture that went viral on social media.
"When lions hunt buffalos, they tend to rely on the strength of the pride, as the power of a full-grown African buffalo - weighing between 1,100 and 2,200 pounds - can strike fear into the heart of any lion that finds itself outnumbered.
"Therefore, it is rare to see a single lion attacking a buffalo. But, in Nairobi National Park lives an exceptional male lion called Sirikoi, who hunts alone adult buffalos frequently," Kenya Rising captioned the image.
