Conservationist buried on Kenyan reserve

Press, 4 September 1989, Page 11

Conservationist buried on Kenyan reserve

NZPA-Reuter Kora National Reserve, Kenya The murdered conservationist George Adamson, who became famous for returning tame lions to the wild, was buried yesterday near his homestead of palm-thatched huts. Mr Adamson, aged 83, who was shot dead by bandits on August 20, was buried in the arid scrub of Kora National Reserve next to his brother, Terence. About 200 people attended the funeral, including the actor Bill Travers, the actor who played Mr Adamson in

the film version of “Born Free,” the book written by his wife, Joy Adamson, which made the couple famous. Mrs Adamson was also murdered in Kenya — killed by a house servant in 1980 several years after she had split up with her husband. Mr Adamson, born in India to British parents, was a former game warden who became famous for his success in returning tame lions to the wild. He was shot dead as he drove to rescue a German guest who was being held at gunpoint. Two of Mr Adamson’s Kenyan em-

ployees were also killed. The police have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder, but none has been charged so far. The Kenyan director of wildlife, Richard Leakey, who led the mourners, said Mr Adamson was a victim of Kenya’s long and bitter war against elephant and rhino poachers. "I would like to make it absolutely clear that the Government of Kenya, the people of Kenya, and in particular the wildlife and security forces of Kenya, will not be deterred by violence under any circumstances whatsoever.”