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Bon Jovi the lion’s tragic end + penultimate pics + Kenya family safari
Bon Jovi is one of many free-roaming male lions that have been killed by humans, either for fun and ego or to protect lives and livelihoods.
I met Bon Jovi in Liuwa Plain – what a magnificent lion! Although from a biological perspective, he was no more special than the other maned craggy males who roam free and ensure genetic diversity. His demise by euthanasia is such a sad indictment on humankind; our expansion at the expense of all else. I don’t blame rural villagers for not wanting dangerous animals roaming their towns and farmlands – that scenario has already played itself out across the Planet, and our species always wins. While I mourn the loss of individuals like Bon Jovi and the creep of our species into every nook and cranny, I also celebrate that Africa has many wild places where these great beasts still thrive.
That said, the social media hysteria and false accusations aimed at the vets, officials, and field rangers who had to perform this horrible task are a concern. The libellous accusations and cut-and-paste alternative solutions smack of hatred, naivety and a deep-seated disconnect with the reality at ground level here in Africa.
Thank you for choosing to absorb the facts as presented by my team and for understanding how complex these situations are. Thank you also for supporting Africa Geographic in our drive to tailor-make responsible safaris where local people benefit significantly and see the benefit of having dangerous wildlife in their neighbourhoods.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
They found them just in time. Dozens upon dozens of vultures, poisoned and barely clinging to life beside an elephant carcass laced with toxic agrochemicals – bait for harvesting body parts for the illegal wildlife trade. What followed in Kruger National Park’s remote Mahlangeni Section this week was a rescue at one of the largest poisoning events seen in the park – with 123 vultures found dead at the scene. SANParks rangers and Endangered Wildlife Trust specialists led the charge, with support from vets and rehabbers, administering atropine, activated charcoal and fluid therapy on site – emergency first aid for birds on the brink.
84 Cape, white-backed and hooded vultures were rescued, carried out by helicopter and vulture ambulance, whisked off to safety under the watch of vets, pilots and volunteers. Against the odds, 83 birds are still alive. Poacher’s poisons are swift. But so too are the responses of those who care. This was conservation at its finest: fast, fierce, and full of heart. To every ranger, vet, pilot and quiet hero behind the scenes – thank you.
Below, we share all the details that led to the famous lion Bon Jovi being euthanised. And we bring you two galleries of the best photos for our penultimate week of entries for Photographer of the Year 2025.
DID YOU KNOW?
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level. YOUR safari choice does make a difference – thank you!
Story 1
BON JOVI EUTHANISED
Famous lion Bon Jovi was euthanised close to a rural village in community-owned land near Zambia’s Kafue NP after reportedly killing cattle
Story 2
PENULTIMATE PICS 1
Photographer of the Year 2025 is now closed for entries! Here are our top photos for Week 12 of the competition – Gallery 1
Story 3
PENULTIMATE PICS 2
Explore Gallery 2 of our Week 12 entries from Photographer of the Year 2025. Winners will be awarded a safari to Odzala-Kokoua
TRAVEL DESK:
2 SAFARI IDEAS
Our safari guests say…
Another 5-star review for teamAG! Subrahmanyan enjoyed a first-class Southern African safari:
“Karen, our safari expert from Africa Geographic, was truly exceptional. The itinerary she put together covering South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, was at first-class lodges, and the safari experiences and river cruises were magical. The staff at the lodges and the drivers and trackers made us feel at home.
Our travel started with a 2-day delay thanks to the weather and the cancellation of our flight from New Jersey! Karen was immediately accessible and made the necessary changes almost seamlessly. She prepared detailed documentation for our insurance claim and was available even on the weekend. We would highly recommend Karen and Africa Geographic and will be using their services in a few years when we visit Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda!”
Get in touch today, and let AG start planning your dream safari.
WATCH: June–July marks the beginning of the best wildlife-viewing season in Africa. There is very little rain expected (the dry season prevails), and temperatures are moderate – perfect safari weather. Here’s what you can expect from a June–July safari. (01:37) Click here to watch
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