It’s course of nature. These heart-breaking images show the final moments of a frail old lion who was once king of his land before he starved to death. He was kicked out of his pride and became emaciated after the protection and food that his family used to provide was stripped away. The lion, known as Skybed Scar, was well known in Kruger National Park, South Africa, where he was pictured.
Final days – The once mighty beast looked down to the ground as he lived out his final days in Kruger National Park.
Stripped of his strength: The lion, known as Skybed Scar, was kicked out of the pride he once ruled and his bones are now clearly visible
FALLEN KING – The lion lies dead in the grass of the Kruger National Park, marking the end of his decline after losing his pride
The heart-breaking images were captured by Larry Anthony Pannell, 64, from California.
He said: ‘I knew that I was witnessing something very special nature, the real nature both life and death.
‘Life can be very cruel and to be honest during my career I have seen people lose everything in landslides, earthquakes and fires. I have photographed automobile accidents with grave injuries. ‘I do not think any photograph or photo sequence affected me as much as witnessing the death of the lion.
