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The renowned oldest lion in Amboseli National Park is dead.

The 19-year-old lion identified as Loonkido was speared to death by herdsmen at Ilkilunyeti village, Kimana Kajiado South on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at around 9 pm.

Loonkito is said to have entered a home preying on cattle before it was attacked and speared to death.

According to an eyewitness who sought anonymity owing to the sensitivity of the matter, the lion was looking frail and helpless when angry herdsmen attacked it.

“We heard a commotion at the cattle shed before we realized it was a lion that was preying on livestock. We confused the king of the jungle using light and shortly others come and started spearing it. Loonkito looked so helpless,” an eyewitness alleged

Loonkito is said to have been isolated its pride due to its inability to prey and keep pace with others.

The lion was known as it could easily be spotted at the park alone.

Its health had further deteriorated due to hunger caused by prolonged drought.

The killing of Loonkito comes hot in the heals amid rampant human-wildlife conflict in areas bordering parks.

Kajiado is home to several national parks including part of Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Park and Kyulu National Reserve.