Eldoret Animal Sanctuary Mourns Death of Rescued Lion Festus

The Brigadier Boinett Foundation has announced the death of Festus, a male lion that had been under the care of the Eldoret Animal Sanctuary since 2019.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Foundation said Festus was humanely euthanized on Friday, February 6, 2026, following a professional veterinary assessment that determined his health had significantly deteriorated due to age-related complications.

Festus originated from the Maasai Mara ecosystem, where he spent most of his life in the wild. According to the Foundation, the lion was rescued after sustaining severe injuries during a territorial confrontation with younger and stronger males in his pride.

He was first admitted to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage under the care of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), where he received medical treatment and monitoring. After stabilisation, Festus was transferred in 2019 to the Eldoret Animal Sanctuary, which is managed by the Brigadier Boinett Foundation, for long-term care.

For nearly five years, the sanctuary provided him with a safe and stable environment, supported by dedicated veterinary oversight and daily husbandry care.

“Festus’ life reflects both the realities of territorial conflict in the wild and the long-term responsibility required in wildlife rescue and lifetime care,” the Foundation said in its statement.

As he advanced in age, Festus developed multiple health complications that progressively affected his mobility and overall condition. Following consultations and assessment by veterinary professionals, KWS officers made the decision to euthanize him in consideration of his welfare and quality of life.

The Foundation described his time at the sanctuary as a testament to collaborative conservation efforts between KWS, veterinary teams and conservation partners committed to ensuring dignity and proper care for rescued wildlife in their final years.

The Eldoret Animal Sanctuary serves as a key conservation and environmental education centre in the North Rift region. It receives more than 1,000 schools annually for guided learning tours aimed at promoting wildlife conservation and environmental awareness.

Beyond caring for lions, the sanctuary plays a critical role in rescuing, rehabilitating and protecting endangered and vulnerable species across the region.

The Brigadier Boinett Foundation expressed gratitude to the Kenya Wildlife Service, veterinary teams, sanctuary staff and supporters who contributed to Festus’ care over the years.

Festus’ passing marks the end of a chapter for the sanctuary, which has been home to several rescued animals requiring specialised care, and highlights the ongoing challenges of wildlife conservation and management in Kenya.