Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has dismissed reports doing rounds on social media alleging that the famous lion within the Maasai Mara National Reserve was speared by pastoralists.
In a statement dated Monday, February 12, KWS assured Kenyans that the reports of the lion's death lacked credible evidence following a thorough investigation conducted by its intelligence team.
The entity had tasked the top management of the reserve to conduct investigations alongside the 'Mara Predators' - a research team whose work is monitoring lions - to look for the famed animal.
Olobor, which means 'the calm one', is a member of the Black Rock pride that consists of the most famed lions in the Maasai Mara.
Other members of the pride include Olpadan, Olbarikoi and King Olope who was recently mauled to death by other lions following a territorial battle.
"KWS Intelligence and Investigation teams responded by visiting the area but neither evidence nor information was gathered to prove the allegations," the KWS Communications Office stated.
"We reassure the public that we will provide an accurate account of Olobor when the facts are established and proven."
The reports attracted backlash from concerned citizens who called for a shift in the protection of wildlife in the country that serves as one of the key tourist attractions.
"We mourn Olobor, the lion king of Masai Mara. His tragic loss is not just an isolated case but a symptom of a deeper crisis. This incident has shaken the global community, highlighting the dire need for a shift in wildlife management and community relations."
"We need robust conservation efforts now more than ever. The burgeoning cattle population and diminishing resources spell danger for Mara's wildlife. Sustainable tourism, not boycotting, is the way forward, supporting both conservation and community welfare."
"We call on media, influential figures, and conservationists to bring attention to the Mara's plight. The management must be held accountable for their failures," read some comments online.
Others, however, questioned whether the pastoralists' actions were a form of retaliation for killing their cattle.
"The herders should rightfully be compensated if their cattle are killed, the truth is they never see that compensation. The other truth is that they should never be grazing cattle in the main reserve in the first place," others commented.
Currently, lions are listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), estimating that less than 25,000 remain in Africa.
