Latest news with #Kebbel
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tourist mauled by lioness on this safari: 10 safari rules you shouldn't ignore
A tragic incident in Namibia has once again stressed the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols during wildlife safaris. On May 30, 2025, 59-year-old German businessman and philanthropist Bernd Kebbel was fatally attacked by a lioness near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in Namibia's Sesfontein area. The lioness attacked Kebbel when he got out of his tent early in the morning to use the loo when he was camping with his wife and friends. Despite immediate efforts by his companions to drive the animal away, Kebbel succumbed to his injuries. The lioness involved, believed to be protecting her cubs, was later euthanised by authorities due to concerns about the threat she posed to local communities and tourists. This tragedy is a clear reminder of the dangers that wildlife safaris entail and the importance of closely following safety protocols. Here are some tips that one should follow for a safer safari experience: Always stay within designated areas Venturing outside of designated areas, especially during nighttime, can be extremely dangerous. Wild animals are most active at night, and visibility is limited, increasing the risk of unexpected encounters. Never leave your vehicle without guidance Safari vehicles are designed to provide safety and minimise disturbance to wildlife. It's advised that nobody leaves the vehicle without a guide's instruction, as doing so can put you and your fellow travellers in danger. Read more: 10 reasons to visit Kerala in monsoons Avoid nocturnal excursions If nature calls at night, take advantage of the facilities provided by your accommodation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo If unavailable, consult your guide for safe alternatives. A lone individual strolling in the dark is more likely to be approached by predators. Maintain a safe distance from wildlife Always observe animals from a safe distance. Approaching too closely can be perceived as a threat, leading to aggressive behaviour. Follow your guide's instructions Professionals with training who are knowledgeable about the environment and animal behaviour make up guides. Following their directions is essential for your protection. Keep noise levels down When frightened by loud noises, animals may react in unexpected ways. Don't say anything to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Do not feed the animals This is a strict no-no, as feeding wildlife can alter their natural behaviours and make them more antagonistic towards humans. It also increases the likelihood that animals will link humans to food. Read more: 10 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India and the animals they're famous for Be cautious with flash photography Avoid flash photography when you are in the wild, as it can startle animals, leading to aggressive responses. Avoid wearing bright colors Wearing bright apparel can draw unwelcome attention from animals. Choose colours that are neutral and complement the surrounding landscape. Stay informed about the wildlife While there, learn more about the local fauna. You can anticipate and avoid such risks if you are aware of their habitats and behaviours. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
59-year-old German businessman fatally mauled by lioness in Namibia
What started as a peaceful safari holiday in one of Africa's most remote and untouched regions turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for a German couple. Bernd Kebbel, a 59-year-old businessman and philanthropist, was killed by a lioness while camping in northwestern Namibia– a region known for its desert wildlife and far from the usual tourist spots. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The incident happened in the early hours of May 30, near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, a destination popular with travellers looking for quiet, off-the-grid wildlife adventures. Kebbel was on the trip with his wife and a few close friends. Lioness attacked as victim stepped out of tent Local officials said Kebbel had stepped out of his tent early in the morning to use the toilet when the lioness attacked. The group was camping near the Hoanib River in Namibia's Sesfontein constituency, an area known to be home to wild, free-roaming lions. Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, spokesperson for Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, confirmed, as quoted by Informante: 'The victim had stepped out of his tent to use the toilet on Friday morning, May 30, when he was attacked by the lioness.' Despite quick efforts by others in the group to scare the lioness away, Kebbel suffered serious injuries and sadly died on the spot. Police confirm investigation; full report awaited Namibian police arrived at the campsite soon after the attack and launched an investigation. While a full report is still awaited, early information indicates that the group had been camping in an area that wasn't fenced or regularly checked for wildlife activity. A police spokesperson told CBS News that 'a full report will be submitted in due course.' Lioness tracked and put down for public safety Two days after the incident, on June 1, wildlife officials confirmed that the lioness responsible had been found and put down. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Authorities said the move was necessary to prevent any further risk to both locals and tourists in the area. Remembering Bernd Kebbel Bernd Kebbel was well known in Germany's off-road automotive industry. He formerly ran the Offroad Centre, a company that focused on gear for 4x4 vehicles and adventure travel. His visit to Namibia was meant to be a personal getaway– one that sadly ended in an unimaginable tragedy. Desert-adapted lions under spotlight Northwestern Namibia is home to a rare and unique population of desert-adapted lions. Unlike the more common savannah lions, these lions have evolved to survive in harsh, dry conditions with very little water and often roam long distances in search of food. Their numbers remain low, with conservation estimates suggesting there are only about 60 adult lions and a few cubs left in the region. Although these lions are usually shy and avoid humans, experts say that rising human activity, especially through camping in remote areas, can sometimes increase the chances of dangerous encounters.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lion kills man on safari who left tent for toilet
WINDHOEK, Namibia (WJW) — A lion fatally mauled a well-known businessman at a luxury safari lodge in Namibia after he stepped out of his tent to use the toilet, authorities said. Bernd Kebbel, 59, was camping with his wife and friends at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp when the attack happened early Sunday morning, according to local media and Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Is it OK to leave device chargers plugged in all the time? An expert explains Environment ministry spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela told Informanté, a Namibian news outlet, that the lion attacked Kebbel just outside his tent. Other guests managed to drive the animal away, but Kebbel had already died from his injuries. Police are investigating the incident and collecting details at the scene, according to a spokesperson. Nurse loses license over sexual misconduct with anesthetized patients The Namibian identified Kebbel as a businessman and philanthropist known for his support of wildlife conservation in the country. The lioness was put down on Sunday, June 1, according to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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The South African
03-06-2025
- General
- The South African
Namibian businessman killed by Lion [video]
A remote and normally tranquil corner of northwestern Namibia has become the focus of a tragic wildlife attack after a well-known German businessman and conservation advocate, Bernd Kebbel, was mauled to death by a lion during a luxury safari. he incident occurred at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, located in the Sesfontein Conservancy, an area famed for its rugged beauty and the rare desert-adapted lions that roam freely across the arid landscape. According to authorities, the 59-year-old Kebbel was killed in the early hours of the morning after stepping outside his tent. Read the full version of the ' RIP | Well-known businessmen mauled to death by a lion in Namibia' article. Kebbel had been on safari with his wife and friends, enjoying a peaceful evening under the stars. According to a statement from Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Kebbel exited his tent around dawn, unaware that a lion had ventured close to the campsite. The lion pounced without warning. Looking for quick updates? Watch News in a Minute videos on The South African's YouTube page for all the key stories you need to know! Catch all the latest videos on news, lifestyle, travel, sports and more – there's always something to watch! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to stay connected and get your news on the go!
The South African
03-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Well-known businessmen mauled to death by a lion in Namibia
A remote and normally tranquil corner of northwestern Namibia has become the focus of a tragic wildlife attack after a well-known German businessman and conservation advocate, Bernd Kebbel, was mauled to death by a lion during a luxury safari. The incident occurred at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, located in the Sesfontein Conservancy, an area famed for its rugged beauty and the rare desert-adapted lions that roam freely across the arid landscape. According to authorities, the 59-year-old Kebbel was killed in the early hours of the morning after stepping outside his tent. Kebbel had been on safari with his wife and friends, enjoying a peaceful evening under the stars. According to a statement from Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Kebbel exited his tent around dawn, unaware that a lion had ventured close to the campsite. The lion pounced without warning. Despite frantic attempts by those nearby to drive the animal off, it was too late. By the time help arrived and the lion retreated, Kebbel had succumbed to his injuries. The tragedy is especially bitter given Kebbel's long-standing involvement in conservation. A successful entrepreneur and founder of Off-Road-Centre, a company that specialised in safari vehicle outfitting, Kebbel was also known for his philanthropic efforts to protect Namibia's wildlife. His death at the jaws of the very animals he worked to preserve adds a grim layer of irony to the incident. 'He loved Namibia's wild spaces,' a friend told local media. 'That's what drew him back again and again.' Namibian police have launched a full investigation into the attack, while the Ministry of Environment has dispatched officials to the site to assess risk levels and determine whether further action needs to be taken regarding the lion or broader camp safety protocols. The desert-adapted lions of the Skeleton Coast are a unique and endangered population, numbering just 60 adults according to recent conservation estimates. These lions are highly valued by researchers for their ability to survive in one of the most extreme environments on earth, but increasing human-wildlife conflict, driven by food scarcity and habitat encroachment, has pushed them closer to tourist camps and rural communities. Kebbel's death is the latest in a growing list of incidents that have reignited debate about the dangers of ecotourism and the fragile balance between wildlife conservation and human safety. In April, a teenage girl in Kenya was killed by a lion on a ranch adjacent to Nairobi National Park, prompting outcry from both conservationists and rural communities. Namibia itself has come under scrutiny after approving the controversial culling of hundreds of wild animals in 2024, including elephants, in an effort to manage drought-induced food insecurity. With tourism being a key pillar of Namibia's economy and a vital source of funding for conservation, the government now faces mounting pressure to enhance safety protocols while preserving the wildness that draws visitors from around the world. Bernd Kebbel is survived by his wife and two children. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
