Bernd Kebbel, a respected Namibian businessman and wildlife philanthropist, was fatally attacked by a lioness while on safari.
The 59-year-old was camping near Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in Kunene Region’s Sesfontein area, about 700 kilometers north of Windhoek.
Kebbel was with his wife, Conny, 57, and friends when the tragedy occurred late Friday night.
While his wife slept in a rooftop tent, Kebbel stepped outside to relieve himself and was suddenly attacked by a lioness.
The predator bit Kebbel in the neck, inflicting fatal injuries before fellow campers could drive the animal away.
“The incident is confirmed, and Mr. Kebbel was unfortunately killed,” said Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, spokesperson for the Environment, Forestry, and Tourism Ministry.
Namibian police have opened a formal investigation into the human-wildlife conflict surrounding the attack.
Police spokesperson Immanuel Iiduwa praised the brave efforts of those present but lamented that help arrived too late to save Kebbel.
Kebbel was renowned for his commitment to desert lion conservation, a cause close to his heart.
This incident has reignited concerns about the risks of human interactions with endangered desert-adapted lions in Namibia’s remote wilderness.
Authorities and conservationists are expected to review safety measures for tourists exploring these fragile natural habitats.
The death of Kebbel is a tragic reminder of the wild’s unpredictable power, even in the heart of conservation efforts.
