The Last Fight Bob Junior Gave before ...


 Back in 2013 and 2014, around the Barafu Kopjes in Eastern Serengeti, Tanzania, a striking coalition of two dark-maned male lions was frequently sighted. These males had thick, dark manes with a few dreadlock-like strands, which led tour guides who first spotted them to nickname them Bob Marley and Ziggy Marley, thanks to their resemblance to the famous musicians. Over time, these two lions disappeared—likely killed during territorial battles. Their fate, however, remains unknown.

Fast forward to 2015–2016, a new coalition appeared in the Namiri Plains—this time a group of six powerful males. Often seen in groups of four or six, they became known to some as the “4 Killers” or “6 Killers.” Like Bob and Ziggy, these lions also had dark, laid-back manes. Because of this similarity, many—including myself—initially thought one of them was Bob Junior. But that turned out not to be true; these were entirely different males. They didn’t hold territory in Namiri for long and soon vanished.

Bob Junior’s Rise

Bob Junior is believed to have been born in 2011, somewhere in Eastern Serengeti—possibly in the territory once ruled by Bob and Ziggy Marley. He made his first appearance in Namiri Plains around 2017. When his time came, he began his rule by taking over the Barafu Kopjes Pride, showing fearlessness and immense confidence. From there, he expanded his dominance by taking over females from the Zebra Kopjes Pride, and eventually the Sametu Kopjes Pride (known to guides as the Research Kopjes).

He ultimately settled in the Sametu region due to its reliable food sources, water, and rocky cover. Bob Junior remained the dominant male there until his death on March 11, 2023.

Many, including myself, believed that Bob Junior was the son of Bob and Ziggy Marley due to his strong resemblance to them. However, there is no definitive proof of his lineage. Some Namiri Camp guides even suggested that Bob Junior may have originated from Ngorongoro Crater, pointing to his physical traits—strong, short, muscular build, fearless nature, and a thick dark mane—characteristics typical of Crater lions. His origins remain a mystery. What’s certain is this: Bob Junior came to Namiri Plains and conquered them.

The Arrival of Marley

Around 2019, another male lion appeared. Based on his appearance, we believed he came from either Seronera or the Gol Kopjes. Initially, we thought Bob Junior would kill him—as he was known to be a fierce leader. But surprisingly, this new male showed submission, and BJ accepted him as a coalition partner. They ruled Namiri together until the end. Guides later named this lion “Marley.” While not Bob Junior’s blood brother, they became close allies.

There are rumors Marley might have been Bob Junior’s brother from a different litter, which could explain their bond—but again, there’s no evidence to confirm this.

In the two weeks leading up to Bob Junior’s death, Marley disappeared. It's believed he either fled from or was killed by a new coalition of 7 males. Without proof, we can't say for sure what happened to him.

The Fall of a King

The 7 Male Coalition had been watching Bob Junior and his pride for months, studying his weaknesses. Eventually, they made their move. On March 11, 2023, three of these males attacked and killed him.

Bob Junior was an icon—majestic, fearless, and arguably one of the most photogenic lions in the Serengeti. Photographers adored him. When he died, he left behind a legacy: around 12 lionesses, 3 young sons about two years old, and countless other cubs born over the years who will carry his bloodline forward.

I was one of three guides who witnessed Bob Junior’s final fight. It was brutal. He fought valiantly but was overpowered by three lions from the new coalition.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

  • Special thanks to Cloud from Nale Moru and his photographer James Lewin, and a guide from Kili Dove, who were first at the scene and witnessed the initial attack.

  • My thanks also to Dave Matthiesen from @thewildsource, who was with me during Bob Junior’s last stand.

  • Deep appreciation to @asiliaafrica Namiri guides and @chabaporini for their invaluable insights and updates on BJ’s life and death.


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