Scarface, 'the world's most famous lion', dies aged 14 in Kenya
Scarface, ‘the world’s most famous lion’, dies aged 14 in Kenya: Conservationists mourn the death of ‘iconic’ animal from natural causes
- ‘Iconic’ 14-year-old lion Scarface died from natural causes in his den in Kenya
- He once controlled a 400 square-mile territory in the Maasai Mara game reserve
- Received his legendary scar aged four in a 2012 territory raid with his brothers
- Featured in documentaries such as BBC’s Big Cats Diary, had a Facebook page
Scarface, the world’s most famous lion, has died of natural causes aged 14, in Kenya.
The king of animals, and the oldest lion in the Maasai Mara game reserve, was known for the huge scar across his right eye.
He had his own Facebook page, and starred in several documentaries, including the BBC’s Big Cats Diary.
His passing leaves a 400 square-mile territory up for grabs in the Kenyan reserve.
Scarface, the world’s most famous lion, has died of natural causes aged 14, in the Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya
The king of animals, and the oldest lion in the Maasai Mara game reserve, was known for the huge scar across his right eye
The massive area in the Malaika and Ashnil camp territories was once held by Scarface and his three brothers: Morani, Sikio, and Hunter.
They were known as the ‘Four Musketeers’ and headed a pride of nine females with cubs and a few young males.
Conservationists said the lion, whose species typically live between 10 and 14 years, had become skinny and sickly in the period leading up to his death.
Announcing his death, the Mara Predator Conservation Programme said: ‘At 1 pm local time [on Friday, June 11], Scarface took his last breath.
‘He died in peace without any disturbance from vehicles and hyenas. We were the only vehicle on the scene and by his side, hoping to give him any kind of comfort.
‘The Mara has lost yet another one of its great iconic males. May his legend forever live on.’
His passing leaves a 400 square-mile territory up for grabs in the Kenyan reserve. The massive area in the Malaika and Ashnil camp territories was once held by Scarface and his three brothers: Morani, Sikio, and Hunter
The brothers were known as the ‘Four Musketeers’ and headed a pride of nine females with cubs and a few young males
The World Heritage Species made a similar announcement shortly afterwards, describing the lion as ‘legendary’.
Scarface suffered a series of injuries in his lifetime and was hit by a the spear of a Maasai warrior who was trying to protect his cattle.
He received the scar across his eye, earning him the nickname Scarface, during a 2012 territory raid with his brothers when he was just four years old.
Vets repeatedly intervened to treat the wound when it opened, preventing infection.
Conservationists described the lion as a strong and charismatic leader, a perception helped by his scarred image.
Michelle O’Brien said: ‘For me, it was love at first sight in February 2014, when I learned of his legendary life. He owned his world.
‘October 2019, I was blessed to see him again…older, frail but magnificent. He stood only three feet away from our truck and gave us the ‘look’. I will miss you, old friend.’
Scarface had his own Facebook page, and starred in several documentaries, including the BBC’s Big Cats Diary
He received the scar across his eye, earning him the nickname Scarface, during a 2012 territory raid with his brothers when he was just four years old
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