Lion known as 'king of Serengeti' dies at 12

By Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AA) - A majestic lion in the sprawling Serengeti National Park in Tanzania has died in a territorial battle with young rivals, officials have said.

Twelve-year-old Bob Junior earned the nick name of lion king for his unique persona, deep roar and strong front paws.

Also known as Snyggve, the famed wild cat was killed on Sunday, said Catherine Mbene, the spokesperson of Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).

“It is true that the old lion died after sustaining serious injuries during a fight with other lions,” Mbene told Anadolu on Friday.

Mbene said such fights are a natural and common phenomenon in animal kingdoms.

"Some tourists are really shocked to hear the death of this lion, some of them would travel from Europe just to see and photograph him," she added.

According to wildlife researchers, African wild lions can live up to 18 years. Their population in the continent has dropped by 43% in the last two decades to 20,000, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.