Lion Shot Dead By Kenyan Wildlife Service

A stray male lion that was wandering on the outskirts of Nairobi was shot dead by Kenyan wildlife rangers following an attack which resulted in a local resident getting injured according to Kenyan Wildlife Service. The agency said that a mob quickly formed around the animal which resulted in the rangers having to shoot the lion so that further injuries could be avoided.

“It had injured somebody. There was a crowd that had formed around it, so it was practically impossible to capture it the way we planned to,” Paul Udoto, communications manager for the wildlife service said.

Third incident

Over the last few months this was the third lion to wander outside Nairobi National Park which is located on the outskirts of the city. Whilst no one was injured in the first case, one man received injuries during the second incident. On the two previous occasions when lions have strayed, wildlife officials were able to capture the animals and return them to areas where they are protected. During the latest incident, images were uploaded to social media showing the lion walking in a grassy area next to the fence which separates the city from the national park. Images also show people gathering around the animal.

“The mob had formed and in the process somebody got injured, and by the time the veterinary and security teams got to the ground it was already beyond salvation,” Udoto said. “With that commotion we risked more injuries or even possible deaths.”

Human animal conflict

Nairobi National Park is located on the outskirts of the city and visitors are confronted by the strange juxtaposition of lions, zebras, giraffes and rhinos against a backdrop of skyscrapers. Occasionally lions are seen in the city very near the park after managing to get through the fences which separate the built up areas near the reserve.