Presumed dead

Marley

Also known as Tryggve, Joel · Co-King of the Namiri Plains

c. 2010 – March 2023

Born in Namiri Plains area, eastern Serengeti, Tanzania

Marley, whose given name was Tryggve, was the brother and lifelong coalition partner of Bob Junior, and a son of the legendary C-Boy. Huge and dark-maned like his brother, he shared the rule of the Namiri Plains in the eastern Serengeti for about seven years. He was sometimes also called Joel.

While Bob Junior attracted most of the cameras, Marley played an equally important part in holding the territory. Two males together can defend what one male cannot, and the brothers patrolled the plains and the kopjes side by side, watching over a pride of around 22 lionesses.

In March 2023, younger males moved in to take the Namiri Plains. Bob Junior was killed, and Marley disappeared at around the same time. Officials said they were still trying to confirm his fate, and he is presumed to have been killed in the same takeover.

~7Years of reign

~12Age at death

~22Lionesses in his pride

2Males in his coalition

Profile

Identity

Name: MarleyThe name he is best known by
Nicknames: Tryggve (given name), Joel
Origin of the name: Named at about six weeks old by Swedish photographer Daniel RosengrenTrygg means safe or steady in Swedish
Sex: Male
Distinguishing features: Huge, with a dark mane like his brother’s
Weight: Information not availableFor reference, adult male lions usually weigh 150–260 kg

Birth & Family

Born: c. 2010Some sources give 2012–2013
Birthplace: Namiri Plains area, eastern Serengeti, TanzaniaExact birth site not recorded
Birth pride: Information not availableHe was born on the Namiri Plains while C-Boy and Hildur ruled the area
Father: C-Boy (“Bob”, “Bob Marley”)
Mother: Information not available
Siblings: Bob Junior (brother)

Reign

Pride king: Yes, co-ruler with Bob Junior
Prides ruled: The Namiri Plains prides
Pride size: Around 22 lionesses
Reign: About 7 years (c. 2016 – 2023)
Ruled with: Bob Junior
Coalition: Bob Junior & Marley
Home range: Namiri Plains, Soit Le Motonyi area, eastern Serengeti
Territory size: Information not available

Death

Died: Presumed March 2023Disappeared at the time of the takeover; his death has not been confirmed
Age at death: About 12 yearsIf he died in March 2023
Cause of death: Presumed killed by rival male lionsSome reports say he was killed in a separate attack by the same males
Place of death: Information not availablePresumed near Namiri Plains, Serengeti National Park
Burial: Information not available

Names & Meanings

MarleyName used by guides

Taken from his father’s nickname, Bob Marley, just as his brother became Bob Junior. This is the name he is best known by.

TryggveGiven name

From the Swedish word trygg, meaning safe, secure or steady. Given by Swedish wildlife photographer Daniel Rosengren when the cub was about six weeks old, at the same time as his brother was named Snyggve.

JoelAnother nickname

Also used for him; the origin of this name has not been documented.

Family & Lineage

FatherC-BoyAlso called “Bob” or “Bob Marley”. Survived the Killers and died in June 2018 at about 14.View record →Father’s coalition partnerHildurKnown to guides as Ziggy. Ruled the Namiri area alongside C-Boy.View record →

LionessMotherHer identity has not been publicly documented.

TryggveMarleyc. 2010 – 2023

Brother & co-rulerBob JuniorSnyggve, King of the Serengeti. Killed by younger rival males in March 2023.View record →

OffspringCubs of the coalitionIn a coalition, which male fathered which cub is usually unknown. The Golden Boys are most often described as Bob Junior’s sons, but this has never been confirmed.

Life Story

c. 2010
Born on the eastern Serengeti plains, a son of C-Boy, alongside his brother.
Six weeks old
Named Tryggve by Swedish wildlife photographer Daniel Rosengren, who named his brother Snyggve at the same time.
Youth
Lived as a young nomad with his brother; guests at Namiri Plains in 2016 saw the two sleeping beside the tents.
c. 2016
Took control of the Namiri Plains prides with Bob Junior.
June 2018
His father C-Boy died at about 14.
2016 – 2023
Shared the rule of the Namiri Plains, often resting with his brother on the kopjes above the plains.
March 2023
Younger males took the territory. Bob Junior was killed and Marley disappeared; he is presumed dead.

Legend & Truth

Presumed, not confirmed

Unlike his brother, Marley’s body was not reported found. Conservation officials said they were still working to confirm his fate, so his death remains a presumption.

Fact: the other half of the legend

Bob Junior became the face of the coalition, but a lone male could not have held the Namiri Plains for seven years. Marley’s part in defending the territory was just as important.