Because of their unique attributes and attachment to human beings, some animals have been immortalised and their graves have become tourist attractions, writes HAROLD AYODO
Just like human celebrities, some famous animals have been immortalised and their memory lives on through their graves that attract tourists from all over the world.
Examples of such graves are at the Meru National Park where the story behind the icon animals draws visitors to their graves. One of the famous animals that has been buried here is Elsa, a lioness who was raised by George Adamson, a game warden, and his wife Joy. Elsa was born in January 1956 and died on January 24, 1961. Kenya Wildlife Service officer, Zacharia Mwangi, points at Elsaâs grave at the Meru National Park. [Photo:Harold Ayodo/Standard]
She lived like a domesticated pet and Joy considered their relationship as that of equals.
According to the assistant director of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Eastern Conservation Area, Jonathan Kirui, Joy was determined to raise Elsa.
"She gave Elsa the education needed to hunt and live in the wild, earning the lioness worldwide fame," says Kirui.
Born Free
When Elsa was three years old, she brought three cubs of her own from the wild to show to the Adamsons.
"The Adamsons named the male cubs Jespah and Gopa while the female was Little Elsa," Kirui says.
The story of Elsa was published in a blockbuster movie titled Born Free and later the lives of her cubs were covered in another movie titled Living Free.
Unfortunately, Elsa died of Babesia felis, a blood disease similar to malaria, which infects the cat family.
Latest Stories
- New clashes in Brazil's before football game
- Salva Kiir sacks top South Sudan officials
- Lawyer wants Chinedu to appear in court
- Maji marefu’s futile effort to find stolen property
- Can chickens really be cleverer than a toddler? Studies suggest animals can master numeracy and basic engineering
- Freedom of media under threat in Eastern Africa
Business Beat
Crazy Monday
Home & Away
Eve Woman
Generation Next
Sunday Magazine
