The Lion’s Struggle and the Response from Wildlife Authorities
A video that has gone viral on social media platforms shows a lion named Lamu struggling to stand and walk at Stedmak Gardens in Karen. This footage has sparked widespread concern among the public, leading the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to issue a detailed statement clarifying the animal’s health status.
In the statement released on Friday night, KWS assured the public that Lamu is receiving active veterinary care and is not suffering from neglect. The video, which was widely shared across various online platforms, raised questions about whether the lion was malnourished or being poorly treated.
Lamu, who is 22 years old, is considered rare for a lion to reach such an advanced age. In the wild, lions typically live between 12 and 16 years, while even those in captivity rarely make it to their early 20s. According to KWS, the lion has been undergoing treatment for a condition affecting his mobility since 2020.
“Theteam examined Lamu this afternoon and confirmed that he continues to receivetreatment for progressive spinal nerve degeneration, a condition he has managedsince 2020,” KWS said in the statement.
The condition is described as comparable to age-related spinal complications in humans, which can affect coordination and physical strength. Veterinary teams have been conducting routine assessments and administering therapy to help Lamu maintain muscle function and mobility.
“Like humans recovering from spinal injuries, Lamu takes gentle walks as part of his therapy and recovery plan,” the statement read.
Lamu was initially rescued from an orphanage in 2012 and has been under consistent monitoring and dedicated veterinary care ever since. KWS attributes the lion’s extended lifespan to years of consistent monitoring, specialized feeding, and regular veterinary intervention aimed at improving his comfort and quality of life as he ages.
In addition to Lamu, the veterinary team also inspected other animals housed at Stedmak Gardens and found them to be in good condition. The viral video had sparked strong public reactions, with many Kenyans expressing sympathy for the lion and calling for investigations into his welfare.
Some social media users claimed the animal appeared starved or mistreated, prompting KWS to respond swiftly to address these concerns. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to upholding high standards of animal welfare and conservation, noting that aging wildlife in captivity requires careful handling, patience, and specialized care.
KWS emphasized that it will continue monitoring Lamu closely and reviewing his treatment needs to ensure his well-being is maintained as his condition progresses.
“KWS, together with its partners, remain committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare in its mission to conserve and protect Kenya’s wildlife,” the statement concluded.