The fate of Orkitok, one of the most iconic lions of the Maasai Mara, has stirred confusion and concern among global wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and tour operators, amid conflicting reports about whether the lion is dead or still alive.

The lion, believed to have spent his final days in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, is said by some to have succumbed to injuries after a territorial fight.

Others insist the lion is still alive, though in declining health. The lack of an official statement from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Maasai Mara reserve management has only deepened speculation.

The Mara Rescue Network, a well-known conservation group, posted a tribute on social media four days ago, appearing to confirm Orkitok’s death.

“Out of profound respect, we have removed the final photograph depicting his frail condition. As a noble creature, we hope the world will remember Orkitok as the truly powerful and majestic king that he was,” read the post.

Wildfree Lions also reported that the lion had died after sustaining serious injuries in a fight with rival males.

“Despite receiving help and treatment, his condition worsened until he quietly slipped away today,” the post stated.

However, some individuals and groups have questioned these reports. Wildlife enthusiast Ibrahim Salem, posting on the Big Cats of Maasai Mara Updates page, claimed that Orkitok “looks like he is doing well.” Other voices, including Rich Smith, have also dismissed the death reports as unverified.

The situation took another twist when wildlife photographer Dr Kamalak Kannan, founder of the Black Rockers Foundation, claimed Orkitok was targeted during a lion clearance operation allegedly carried out by conservancy rangers. According to Kannan, Orkitok’s permanent leg injury left him unable to flee, leading to his isolation and subsequent death after an attack by other lions.

Kannan linked the operation to alleged interference by a private sponsor, Yuki Tsen, who he claimed favoured a rival lion. Tsen has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “baseless and untrue.”

In response to the growing uproar, Chief Park Warden Stephen Minis issued a statement refuting claims of any wrongdoing.

“There is no agenda or intention to harm any lion in the Maasai Mara. These are baseless claims often made by people who are not even on the ground. They are spreading speculation on social media without facts," said Minis.

Minis urged concerned parties to follow the appropriate channels.

“Anyone with complaints should write officially to my office. We will respond accordingly. All wildlife in the Mara is protected under strict conservation policies.”

The uncertainty over Orkitok’s fate comes in the wake of several other lion deaths in the Mara.

Earlier this year, Lorkulup, a dominant male from the Rongai Pride, died after being injured during a hunt.

Authorities linked his death to wounds from an eland, but conservationists have raised questions, especially since his body was found in Maji ya Fisi, an area known for illegal livestock grazing.

In 2024, another lion from the famed Black Rock Boys coalition, Olobor, disappeared without a trace. Separately, Osopia, a male lion from the Border Pride, was found poisoned in what officials believe was retaliation for a livestock attack.

These incidents have triggered calls for increased transparency and oversight of lion protection and conservancy operations in one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves.

For now, the true status of Orkitok remains unconfirmed, leaving conservationists, tourists, and admirers around the world anxiously awaiting clarity on the fate of one of the Mara’s most revered kings.