A 14-year-old girl was fatally attacked by a lion on a ranch near Nairobi National Park on Saturday, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, has heightened concerns about escalating human-wildlife conflicts in regions close to Kenya’s protected areas.
The attack was witnessed by another teenager, who quickly alerted authorities. KWS response teams rushed to the scene and followed a trail of blood to the Mbagathi River, where they recovered the girl’s body, which bore severe injuries to the lower back. Despite extensive searches, the lion responsible for the attack remains at large. KWS has deployed traps and search teams to locate the animal and is introducing enhanced safety protocols to protect nearby communities.
This tragedy follows another deadly incident on Friday in Nyeri County, where a 54-year-old man lost his life after being trampled by an elephant. These back-to-back events underscore the growing risks faced by residents living near Kenya’s national parks and reserves.
KWS expressed deep condolences to the families affected and emphasized its commitment to reducing human-wildlife conflicts. The agency is advocating for increased funding for conflict prevention measures, such as advanced early warning systems and stronger partnerships with local communities to promote coexistence with wildlife.
As Kenya grapples with balancing conservation efforts and human safety, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any wildlife sightings near populated areas promptly.