Lioness Escapes Nairobi Park, Mauls Teenager to Death in Savannah Ranch Area
NAIROBI, Kenya – April 20, 2025.
A 14-year-old girl was killed over the weekend after a lioness strayed from Nairobi National Park into a neighboring residential area in Savannah Ranch, triggering renewed fears over escalating human-wildlife conflicts near protected zones.
In a statement released by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Sunday, officials confirmed the fatal incident occurred on the southern boundary of the park. The young girl, a Grade 7 student at a nearby school, reportedly came face-to-face with the lioness after it entered a compound adjacent to the park.
Savannah Tragedy: Lion Attack Highlights Park Border Risks
The brutal attack took place on Saturday evening around 7:00 PM, as residents raised the alarm after spotting the big cat. Emergency responders and KWS rangers were dispatched immediately. Blood traces eventually led authorities to the Mbagathi River, where the girl’s lifeless body was found bearing multiple injuries on her lower back.
Authorities noted that the lioness had vanished by the time they reached the site, complicating the search efforts. As of Sunday afternoon, the predator had yet to be located.
The victim’s body was transferred to Nairobi Funeral Home for a postmortem as the family and community mourn the tragic loss.
Rising Lion Sightings Fuel Public Safety Concerns
This is not an isolated case. Just weeks earlier, on March 28, residents in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, were gripped with fear after a CCTV camera captured a lioness prowling through a residential compound. The footage showed the big cat scaling a perimeter wall—a chilling reminder of how easily wild animals can breach human spaces.
KWS acknowledged a pattern of increased wildlife escapes from Nairobi National Park, often triggered by shrinking habitats, drought, and human encroachment. These incidents have intensified calls for tighter monitoring, fencing, and community sensitization around park boundaries.
Separate Elephant Incident Leaves Another Family Mourning
In a separate but equally devastating event in Nyeri County, a 54-year-old man died following an elephant attack. According to KWS, the man was trampled in Mere Forest, Kieni East, while on his way home. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The wildlife agency has since launched investigations into both cases and is actively tracking the stray lion. Authorities urge residents near game parks to exercise caution and report any wild animal sightings immediately.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced wildlife management and better protective measures in areas bordering Kenya’s parks and reserves.
