Businessman Fatally Mauled by Lioness While Camping in Namibia

Bernd Kebbel, a 59-year-old businessman, was killed by a lioness while camping in Namibia. The attack occurred on May 30, 2023, while he was using the toilet outside his tent. Despite attempts to chase the lioness away, Kebbel died from his injuries. The lioness was later euthanized due to safety concerns for tourists. Kebbel was known for owning the Offroad Centre, specializing in off-road vehicle equipment.

A tragic incident occurred during a safari trip in Namibia on May 30 when Bernd Kebbel, a 59-year-old German businessman and philanthropist, was fatally mauled by a lioness. At the time of the attack, Kebbel was camping near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, accompanied by his wife and friends. Reports indicate that the attack unfolded shortly after Kebbel left his tent to use the toilet, an unfortunate scenario that caught everyone off guard.

Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, a spokesperson from Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, provided details about the harrowing event. “The victim had stepped out of his tent to use the toilet on Friday morning, May 30, when he was attacked by the lioness,” said Hamunyela, highlighting the unexpected nature of the attack. Although the group quickly reacted and managed to scare the lioness away, Kebbel had already succumbed to the injuries sustained during the assault.

As local authorities investigated the scene, a police spokesperson informed CBS News that officers were present and promised that a comprehensive report would be compiled in due time. The shocking event has drawn attention not only to the dangers of wildlife encounters but also to the broader issue of tourism safety.

In a significant move, authorities announced the lioness responsible for the attack was euthanized on Sunday, June 1. This decision came after officials determined that the lioness continued to pose a threat to both tourists and local communities. Kebbel, the former owner of the Offroad Centre, was known for selling equipment for off-road vehicles.

The area surrounding the Hoanib River is notable for its population of desert-adapted lions, a unique breed capable of surviving in Namibia’s harsh conditions. As of 2023, the lion population in this northwest region was estimated to be around 60 adult lions and more than a dozen cubs, emphasizing both their rarity and the conservation challenges they face.

The fatal mauling of Bernd Kebbel serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers inherent in wildlife tourism. The incident, leading to the euthanization of the lioness involved, raises critical discussions about safety measures and the balance between conservation and human interaction with wildlife. Kebbel’s tragic death highlights not only the risks travelers face but also the ongoing need for effective wildlife management in regions where human and animal territories overlap.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com