Ten lions found dead in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area, suspected poisoning

In Tanzania, ten lions were found dead in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on September 18, 2026. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority reported that preliminary findings suggest the lions may have been poisoned. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause and identify those responsible. The deaths raise concerns for lion conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to diverse wildlife. Poisoning is a known threat to large carnivores in East Africa, often linked to conflicts with livestock owners.