Who was Bernd Kebbel? All about philanthropist killed by Lion while on safari with wife

Bernd Kebbel, a renowned philanthropist, lost his life in a freak accident while on a safari with his wife.

As reported by The Mirror, Kebbel, who dedicated his life to rescuing Namibian desert lions, was slain by one when he woke up in the early hours of Friday morning to go to the bathroom.

Bernd Kebbel was a 59-year-old businessman and father of two. He was an advocate of wildlife conservation in Namibia and was once the owner of Off-Road-Centre, which sold accessories for safari-bound vehicles. Local outlet The Namibian states that Kebbel was a prolific figure in desert lion researcher circles.

The attack against Bernd Kebbel explored:

Bernd Kebbel and his wife, Conny, 57, were both asleep on a wildlife expedition at a camp located north of the country. The Daily Mail has reported that one of the predators was near the tent, mounted atop a 4 x 4, stalking them.

The wealthy philanthropist was climbing down the ladder when the predator pounced on him, causing him to cry out in pain, which in turn, startled the rest of the camp. People reportedly rushed to his aid in the darkness and managed to fend off the lioness before it could devour him.

The Mirror has reported that the man-eating beast managed to sink its jaws into Bernd Kebbel's neck and throat, causing him to immediately succumb to the attack. His body, drenched in blood, was covered up until local authorities arrived.

Spokesperson Elifas Kuwinga said, per CBS News:

Police were "attending the scene and a full report will be submitted in due course."

The Daily Beast has reported that investigating officials say there was not much Bernd Kebbel could have done to save himself against the attack. The Daily Mail has also reported that the lioness, nicknamed Charlie by the locals, could be hunted and culled.

An anonymous Namibian lion expert told The Mirror:

"Thankfully it would have been quick as a human is no match for a lioness that is in its prime. There are only about 60 desert lions in this region of Kunane where the attack happened and in this particular area around the Hoanib Camp maybe a dozen at the very most. The desert lions have adapted to the harsh and burning desert environment and have become extremely adept night-time hunters as there is no cover for them during the day. They are quick and fast and extremely strong and do not get much opportunity to hunt so can become very hungry – hungry enough to risk attacking a feared human."

Namibian police said, per The Mirror:

"There were brave efforts by fellow campers who drove the animal away but it was too late to save him from the fatal injuries inflicted to his neck."

Bernd Kebbel's children are now expected to travel to the country to support their grieving mother at their home, located in Windhoek, the capital.

CBS News has reported that lions that have since adapted to the desert traverse the terrains located northwest of the country, riddled with mountains and sand dunes. Back in 2023, its population was charted to be 60 adults and over a dozen cubs. However, these numbers have taken a hit in recent years, given droughts and conflict with humans.

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Per the outlet, just this past August, Namibia authorized the hunting of several hundred animals, including elephants, so as to feed its people amid the drought.

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