Kibonge, the oldest lion at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre passed away. The 18-year-old, which was one of the treasured animals at UWEC, died last Friday after a long illness coupled with old age. Ms Jennifer Nandutu and Mr Nicholas Muhindo, his caretakers could not hold back their feelings. They described Kibonge’s passing as a big blow to the animal kingdom at the conservation centre.

“As his health worsened, Kibonge laboured to breath, could not comfortably turn himself given the pain from sores all over his body,” Ms Nandutu said.

UWEC’s spokesperson, Belinda Atim in her words described Kibonge as a calm lion and a fighter. “For the last four years his health has been degenerating due to old age. But he fought on. He collapsed in the exhibit on Monday and still fought for life till Friday,” she added.
Kibonge leaves behind two widows, Zara and Biza and two daughters.

According to Wikipedia, the lifespan of a lion ranges about 14 to 15 years.

A lion can live for more than 15 to 20 years in captivity while in wild; it lives for 10 to 14 years.

Kibonge was laid to rest on 2nd Dec 2014 at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.