Six lions killed in Kenya in blow to conservation efforts

Last updated May 15, 2023

A male lion rests in the grass at the Maasai Mara National Reserve where the spectacular annual migration of Wildebesst into Kenya from Tanzania is started on July 17, 2020. - The Wildebeest Migration, is one of the ìSeven New Wonders of the Worldî in which over two million head of mainly Wildebeest and Zebra migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya during July through to October. (Photo by TONY KARUMBA / AFP)

Six lions have been killed in a national park in southern Kenya, in a blow to conservation efforts and the tourism industry that is a key pillar of the nation’s economy.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the lions were killed after attacking goats and a dog near villages close to the Amboseli National Park.

“Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident as over the last week four other lions have been killed,” KWS said in a statement on Saturday.

KWS said its officials met with the local community to try to find a solution to recurring conflicts between the animals and community members, but did not say what had been agreed.

Residents around nature reserves in Kenya often complain that lions and other carnivores kill livestock and domestic animals as humans and wildlife compete for space and resources.

The 39,206-hectare Amboseli National Park is home to some of the most prized game including elephants, cheetahs, buffalos and giraffes.