Businessman Mauled to Death by Lioness While Camping in Namibia

Bernd Kebbel, a 59-year-old German businessman, was killed by a lioness during a camping trip in Namibia on May 30. The attack occurred when he stepped out of his tent to use the restroom. Despite efforts from his group to chase the lioness away, Kebbel died from his injuries. The lioness was later euthanized to mitigate risks to the community.

In a tragic incident, Bernd Kebbel, a 59-year-old businessman and philanthropist from Germany, was mauled to death by a lioness while on a safari camping trip in Namibia. This unfortunate event unfolded on the morning of Friday, May 30, near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in the scenic Sesfontein area. Kebbel was reportedly camping alongside his wife and friends when the attack occurred.

According to Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, a spokesperson for Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Kebbel had stepped outside his tent to use the restroom when he was attacked by the lioness. Hamunyela detailed the incident, stating, “The victim had stepped out of his tent to use the toilet on Friday morning, May 30, when he was attacked by the lioness,” as noted by Informante. Despite the group’s quick response to chase the lioness away, Kebbel unfortunately succumbed to his injuries before reaching safety.

Law enforcement officials were called to the scene, where a police spokesperson confirmed that a thorough report of the incident would be conducted. The spokesperson mentioned, “We are looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.” This incident highlights not only the inherent dangers associated with wildlife encounters but also raises questions regarding safety protocols in safari settings.

Further compounding the tragedy, authorities announced that the lioness involved in the attack was euthanized on Sunday, June 1. Officials explained that this difficult decision was taken due to ongoing concerns about the animal posing a threat to tourists and local residents. Euthanizing the lioness reflects the severe consequences of human-wildlife interactions in regions where desert-adapted lions are a rare and fragile component of the ecosystem.

In addition, Kebbel was known as the former owner of the Offroad Centre, a business recognized for specialized equipment catering to offroad vehicles. Namibia’s northwest region, where this incident tragically occurred, is home to a unique population of desert-adapted lions. The population was estimated to be around 60 adult lions and over a dozen cubs in 2023 — making this species particularly vulnerable as they adapt to harsh living conditions.

The tragic death of Bernd Kebbel during a safari in Namibia underscores the perils associated with human interactions with wildlife. This incident not only led to the loss of a prominent figure but also resulted in the euthanization of the lioness involved due to safety concerns for local communities and tourists. It raises important discussions on wildlife management and safety during safari adventures. Kebbel’s legacy as a philanthropist remains significant, even amidst this unfortunate event.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com