Conservationists are mourning the passing of the world's most famous lion dubbed 'Scarface' for his iconic markings.
The king of animals, and the oldest member of the pride on the Maasai Mara reserve in Kenya, has died of natural causes aged 14.
Known for the striking scar across his left eye and his magnificent mane, the beast starred in several documentaries including on BBC's Big Cats Diary.
Scarface held a giant territory between the Malaika and Ashnil camps that is now up for grabs.
The area was once shared by him and his three brothers: Morani, Sikio and Hunter.
Together they headed a pride of nine females, cubs and a few other younger males.
His scar came from a 2012 territory raid with his brothers when he was just four years old.
He sustained several injuries throughout his lifetime, including being struck by the spear of a Maasai warrior who was protecting his cattle.
But Scarface defied the odds and lived what conservationists say was an impressively long life for a lion.
Most male lions only last two to three years as king of the pride before being killed off by rivals or enfeebled by battle wounds.
Scarface "stayed at the top" for much longer, however, wildlife photographer George Logan told The Guardian.
“He had this exceptionally big mane, which apparently makes lions more attractive to females.
"He was quite unique and stayed at the top so long with this crazy appearance and big personality. I would say he was the most famous lion in the world,” Logan said.
In the past few months the lion had grown increasingly thin and frail and eventually died peacefully on June 11.
Announcing his death, the Mara Predator Conservation Programme said: "At 1 pm local time [on Friday, June 11], Scarface took his last breath.
"He died in peace without any disturbance from vehicles and hyenas. We were the only vehicle on the scene and by his side, hoping to give him any kind of comfort.
"The Mara has lost yet another one of its great iconic males. May his legend forever live on."
The World Heritage Species honoured the lion in a similar post shortly afterwards, remembering him as "legendary".
