The man eating lions of Tsavo

 

 

Pictured above are the infamous "Man Eaters of Tsavo". (pronounced,Savo) For nine months in 1898-99,these two lions terrorized African and Indian workers employed in the construction of a bridge for the Uganda railway. As the death toll rose, construction was brought to a virtual standstill when the workers refused to continue working until protection could be provided. Finally, the reign of terror was brought to an end, when Lieut.Col. J.H. Patterson succeeded in hunting and killing the two lions who by now had devoured one hundred thirty five men. The lions are now on permanent display at the Feild Museum in Chicago.

 

To this day, no one knows for sure why the lions took to eating humans. According to one theory, disease had killed off a large part of the animal poulation, and the lions simply had no other source of food.

 

If you would like to learn more about the Lions of Tsavo, "The Man Eating Lions of Tsavo On-line" is accessible through Hardini's Hot Links.

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