Oldest Lion in the Kruger Makes First Appearance in Years

Photo Credit: Latest Sightings—Kruger; Hayley Myburgh

The king, believed to be Kruger’s oldest lion, made a special reappearance recently.

Kruger National Park, South Africa (27 March 2025) — A rare sight captivated lucky onlookers at the Kruger National Park recently as an elder lion walked along the H4-2. Believed to be the oldest lion in the Kruger, per Latest Sightings—Kruger, he is also the last of the Mantimahle males.

The Mantimahle males were part of a “remarkable and successful coalition”, as wildlife photographer Deon Kelbrick reported.

These lions once ruled the roost at the Mantimahle Dam region in the Kruger National Park.

The moment of the old king’s reappearance, tinged by Hayley Myburgh, saw the elder lion accompanied by two youngsters who could’ve well been his sons.

The Kruger’s oldest lion is suspected to be 15 years old. While for us humans this age indicates the early stages of being an angst-filled teenager, it is quite a significant age for a lion to reach.

According to Kruger Park Hostel, 15 years is typically the peak age for lions to reach in the wild. (Consider how much a cub must survive in order to celebrate their first birthday, and perspective starts to take shape).

As Professor Tamás Székely of the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath shares, lionesses tend to live around 50% longer than wild males.

The elder lion’s spotting was also a big moment for another reason—he had not been seen on the prowl for three years, according to Latest Sightings!

Meanwhile, in more news from South Africa’s wildlife, the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital celebrated 8 wild and wonderful years in action. They have cared for 15,000 patients in their time—from small critters to great creatures; saving lives and extending them thanks to their efforts!