Kenya Wildlife Service has dismissed reports doing rounds on social media alleging that a famous lion within the Maasai Mara National Reserve was killed by pastoralists.
The Service said the false reports concern Olobor, a member of the ‘Black Rock Pride’.
“KWS Intelligence and Investigation responded by visiting the area but neither evidence nor information was gathered to prove the allegations,” a statement from the KWS communication desk said Monday evening.
The Service said it has since deployed ‘Mara Predators’ research team and tasked Maasai Mara’s top management to look for Olobor.
“We reassure the public that we will provide an accurate account of Olobor when the facts are established and proven,” the statement added.
Reports about Olobor’s alleged death started circulating on social media on Friday, February 9, 2024.
“Today, our hearts grieve, for Olobor's roar has been silenced not by the law of nature, but by the hands of cowardice,” one of the social media posts said in part.
“Speared to death by cattle herders. He was the leader of the powerful Black Rock Coalition,” another amongst dozens of condolence posts read.
A previous post on Wednesday, February 7 expressed concern about the King lion’s whereabouts with the author saying, “I am getting worried about Olobor, he has not been seen…”