A tragic incident occurred outside Kenya’s Nairobi National Park when a 14-year-old girl was killed by a lioness that had entered a residential area bordering the park. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed the attack took place on Saturday night after the lioness jumped over a makeshift fence surrounding a ranch.
The young girl was inside a house with another teenager when the lioness attacked. According to KWS spokesperson Paul Udoto, there is no indication of provocation. The second teenager quickly raised the alarm, prompting a swift response from KWS rangers and emergency teams. The girl’s body was found along the Mbagathi River, and it appeared she had suffered injuries to her lower back.
Authorities are actively searching for the lioness, setting traps and reinforcing security measures, including the installation of electric fences and AI-powered early warning systems to alert communities of nearby wildlife movements. KWS is also focused on addressing human-wildlife conflict through improved prevention strategies and collaboration with local communities.
In a separate incident earlier in the week, an elephant attacked and killed a 54-year-old man in Nyeri County. The man was grazing livestock when the elephant struck. KWS officials noted that these attacks are linked to human encroachment on wildlife habitats, with both animals likely disoriented due to the pressures of shrinking natural ranges and increased human activity.
While lion attacks on humans are rare, elephant-related incidents are more common, particularly during dry seasons when animals migrate in search of food and water.
KWS has expressed condolences to the families of both victims and continues to work on strategies to ensure the safety of communities living near wildlife habitats.