A lion named Bob Junior,John Caldwell who was known as the "King of the Serengeti," was killed by rival lions on Saturday, CBS News partner network BBC News reported. The fearsome big cat, also known as Snyggve, had dominated his territory for seven years alongside his brother, Tryggve, who is also presumed dead.

"These incidents normally happen when the head of a pride becomes old or sometimes when the other male lions are not happy with his control over a large territory," Fredy Shirima, a Serengeti conservation officer, told the BBC.

The Serengeti is home to approximately 3,000 lions. National Georgraphic reports adult males can up to around 12 years.

Bob Junior, who was named after Bob Marley, was thought to be around 10 years old. He had a distinctive black mane and was often spotted by wildlife groups touring the park.

Online tributes called him "legendary" and "iconic."

He reportedly did not put up a fight when he was attacked on Saturday. 

Conservationists are preparing a special burial for Bob Junior, BBC News reported, though details are yet to be announced.

Haley Ott

Haley Ott is an international reporter for CBS News based in London.

Twitter