Businessman Fatally Mauled by Lioness During Camping Safari in Namibia

Bernd Kebbel, a 59-year-old German businessman, was killed by a lioness while camping with friends and family in Namibia. The attack occurred when he stepped out of his tent for a restroom break. Despite efforts to chase the lioness away, Kebbel succumbed to his injuries. The animal was later euthanized due to ongoing safety concerns.

In a tragic incident, a 59-year-old German businessman and philanthropist, Bernd Kebbel, was mauled to death by a lioness while camping in Namibia. This unfortunate event unfolded on Friday, May 30, near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, where Kebbel was accompanied by his wife and a group of friends. Reports indicate that Kebbel was attacked shortly after stepping out of his tent to go to the restroom.

Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, a spokesperson for Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, provided further details regarding the attack. He explained that the group acted swiftly, managing to scare the lioness away after the attack. However, Kebbel had already sustained severe injuries and did not survive.

According to a police spokesperson who spoke to CBS News, law enforcement officials were on the scene, and a comprehensive report of the incident is underway. This attack underscores the dangers associated with wildlife encounters, even in seemingly secure settings like safari camps.

In response to the attack, the lioness responsible was euthanized on Sunday, June 1. Authorities emphasized that the decision was made due to concerns about the safety risks posed to tourists and nearby residents from the animal. Kebbel was a well-known figure, previously owning the Offroad Centre, a business specializing in offroad vehicle equipment.

The area where the incident occurred, Namibia’s northwest region, is noted for its unique population of desert-adapted lions, which have adapted to the harsh desert environment. As of now, the total estimated population of these lions is around 60 adults and more than a dozen cubs. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife interaction in regions where these majestic creatures reside.

The death of Bernd Kebbel not only shocked the local community but also raises awareness about the risks associated with wildlife encounters during safari trips. The swift response by Kebbel’s group was not enough to save him from the lioness, which has since been euthanized. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife safety in Namibia’s unique ecosystems.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com