The lion continued to slowly follow behind, roaring endlessly as if expressing his pain. The group stopped at a place with a large shade tree and green grass. They began to dig a quiet grave, gently placing Mr. Mekond in it.
The entire sanctuary held its breath, witnessing the final farewell. Elijah and Musa placed a stone with his name engraved on it at the head of the grave to commemorate his 50 years of service. The local people held a prayer ceremony, hoping that his soul would rest in peace in eternity.
The lion stood by the grave, bowing its head for a long time without taking its eyes off him. Then it roared loudly, echoing throughout the fields. The roar was heartbreaking, like the tragic cry of someone who had lost a benefactor.
After a while, the group quietly left, leaving only the lonely lion behind. The sun gradually set, dying the Serengeti sky red. The image of the lion by the old man’s grave was deeply engraved in everyone’s mind.
The next day, the reserve temporarily suspended all bustling activities to commemorate him. Many people came to burn incense, place wildflowers by the grave, and pray for him to rest in peace. Occasionally, people saw the lion return to visit the grave, quietly contemplating.
For it, Mr. Makhond was the one who gave it the chance to live, and now it is repaying its gratitude by commemorating him. Elijah and Musa also often went to the grave to talk with him, continuing the dream of preserving wild nature. The story of the old man Makhond, the legendary former ranger, will live forever in the memory of the Serengeti Reserve in Tanzania, along with the eternal love of the lion for his benefactor.