In a stark reminder of the circle of life, photographer Larry Pannell captured the poignant last moments of a lion, once a formidable ruler of his domain. The images, released in 2018, offer a glimpse into the raw and often overlooked side of nature.
The Lion’s Decline
The lion, known as Skybed Scar, was once a revered figure in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. However, as he aged, he was pushed aside by younger, stronger males, leaving him vulnerable and alone. The photos show a frail and exhausted animal, a stark contrast to his former glory.
Pannell’s Experience
Larry Pannell, a 64-year-old photographer and acupuncturist, was deeply moved by the lion’s plight. “I realized I was experiencing something truly extraordinary… nature, the genuine nature of both life and death,” he said. Pannell’s compassion for the lion was evident as he sat with the animal in its final hours, providing comfort and companionship.
The Emotional Impact
The photos of the lion’s death have resonated with viewers worldwide. Many have expressed sadness, empathy, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and fragility of life. The images serve as a powerful reminder that even the most majestic creatures are subject to the inevitable laws of nature.
Larry Pannell’s heartbreaking photos of the lion’s final moments offer a poignant glimpse into the harsh realities of the wild. As we witness the decline of a once-mighty creature, we are reminded of the importance of conservation and the need to protect our planet’s wildlife.
Thank you for being with him, the only difference would be that I would have sat near him and help his paw.
The king didn’t need his paw held. He had his respect
That would have been a very endearing and extremely kind setiment however what you have to remember is He’s A Lion A and B a wild Animal and lastly C He may not have been receptive to raise and even although ill and dying could have attacked .
Ich gebe Dir Recht Charity Schultz
Absolutely beautiful experience. I’m sure your calming presence was a comfort to this incredible creature.
People are saying why not feed him? He is in the wild and it’s obvious this poor Lion could not struggle and crawl to get his food. Soon he will be the food! This is definitely Nature and it’s heartbreaking 💔 it’s just like when a Dog is dying and is at the end. They have no desire to eat as humans the same.
Thank you for staying with him till the end. Thank you for sharing this time! Unity 🤝 can be death also
God Bless 🙌 🙏 ❤️
This made me so tearful. This once proud and feared king of his jungle cast out and left to die alone. Except he was not alone because you were there and he knew you were there for him in his final hour. Blessings to you
This is heartbreaking so glad u were with him 😪😪 shame he was not with his family😪😪 how old was he.
So glad you was with him in the final moments of his life . He Did not Die alone such a beautiful lion he was when he was young .Now his time is over .
Age is something we have no power over .
RIP king of the Beasts
What a gift from our Universe to you both.
A warrior in his time…like All of us he will be called to return.
Thanks so much for not deserting him!
Thanks you for these photographs and post. The spiritual connection between life forms is a sobering reminder we share this planet with sentient beings. They need the acknowledgement, respect and legal protection we so willingly give to ourselves! Old age is not well treated in our ‘civil’ society either. Consequently, when reading this post, perspective is warranted.
You are one of God’s Good Stweards here on earth. Thank you for being kind and caring enough to give this King of the Beasts a true peace as he crossef over into what i pray for all animals and humans …to be woth our Lord and Creator of all thi gs, amen.😇🙏
Thank so glad you stayed with this beautiful Lion and he didn’t die alone 💔
So glad this beautiful majestic animal didn’t die alone. Hopefully his soul has gone home to god x