The FULL Story of the Man-Eating Lions of Tsavo 

Hello everyone! I made this video for two reasons. It is one of my favorite historical narratives and I really needed to clear my head of bigfoot things for a couple weeks. That being said, it spun wildly out of control and took me much longer than I anticipated. Because I spent so much time on it, I kind of had to just call it ‘good enough’ at a certain point. Upon the 20th review, I noticed there are cutaways that aren’t timed properly, and one slide that is supposed to have words. I don’t know if these are failings of the rendering process or simply my mistake. Either way, *I simply can’t afford to dedicate any more time to this video as I have important bigfoot-related content that I need to get a move on* I’m already anticipating more dislikes and negativity than my usual videos because it is off topic and so long. But sometimes you just have to go with it. Anyway, let me know what you think of this video, and thank you so much for listening!

I am a Kenyan and I can tell you it would have been a good idea to respond to the lions roars with roars of their own and by singing loudly and proudly while beating drums or blowing horns. Being hush and timid was only going to invite the cats.

Interesting fact, In the preface to Patterson's book it explains that he possibly downplayed many events because he didn't think anyone would believe him. As example it explains that one of his guides was captured and cannibalized by a local tribe but Patterson only says that he disappeared. Edit: Not cannibalized. It says tortured to death and horribly mutilated.

I grew up watching *The Ghost and The Darkness* with my grandma and it’s still one of my favorites to this day. I’ve watched quite a few things on the story and this is one of the best…really really enjoyed it!

43:15 "he was simultaneously impressed and unimpressed at how quickly his support managed to climb a tree"

I was in the army for 11 years, and when you're in the deep woods and the night has cloud cover you cannot even see your hand in front of your face. Throw in an 800-pound shred machine with night vision? I surprised anyone stayed to work. Great story telling and thanks for the hard work, Mr. G

Hard to not make it to the end. I believe it’s called, "good storytelling"? You shouldn't worry. You're a good storyteller. Thank you, for sharing.

This is one of those "The truth is too wild" to put into a movie stories. All the traps and stuff Patterson came up with. The actual number of victims possibly being closer to Patterson's reported numbers, than the "adjusted" lower numbers people put forth as "more probable". I think both the larger than life image of Patterson, and the destructive feeding of the Ghost and the Darkness, are probably quite accurate.

He says “I’m not sure if anyone is still with me”, like Hell I watched this straight through easy, actually just looked up at my clock and missed a class I was so enthralled👀, but I loved this, it was a nice change, keep these up!

Bob your crazy thinking people wont listen to the longer format. I for one appreciate it

I can't believe you were skeptic that anyone would watch till the end. I think a lot of us are starved for long format storytelling- I definitely am. It was a really fascinating story

I've watched this video about five million times but today my 5 year old son watched the entire thing with me. Hes got good taste. Love your work man

"That's like having your leg caught in a vise, and that vise was attached to a car, driving between thirty to fifty miles an hour though hard earth and thorns, in total darkness" That sent a chill up my spine.

I am literally over 3 hours daily on RU-vid, consuming "cheap" content just to get over my boredom, but every once in while, I find a video like this one. I learn something new, something captivating and the art in the video is beautiful and not to mention your narration. I myself am a hunter and always loved such hunting stories about dangerous "beasts" . Thank you very much

One incident I will never forget was as a 13 year old, when my parents took my elder sister and me on a holiday to the Kruger National Park in South Africa as part of a 5 day trip, prior to travelling on to what was then Lourenco Marques(now Maputo) in Mocambique. Our first night was spent at one of the northernmost camps in Kruger, Punda Milia. The camp was quite old at the time, with accomodations in brick built, thatched rondavels behind a chainlink security fence about 7 feet high. The rondavels although comfortable did not have en suite facilities which were located about 50 metres away in seperate blocks. My late father and I were in one rondavel with my late mother and sister in an adjacent rondavel. After dinner we retired to our accomodation and settled down for the night. About an hour later we were suddenly and terrifyingly awoken by the most ear splitting screams and wall shaking bellows. Minutes later our door burst open and my sister and mother rushed in, as terriefied as we were. We huddled together on one of the beds, fearing for our lives. The deafening cacophony continued for an hour or more, alternating between the deep roaring and the ear-splitting trumpeting as it turned out.. The next morning, bleary eyed we staggered into breakfast in the main rondavel and asked our waiter what on earth had happened the previous night... He explained that a herd of elephants were drinking at the waterhole which the camp overlooked, when some lions arrived wanting to drink, but the elephants told them no and an argument ensued as the next waterhole was miles away..!! Apparently despite the commotion there were no injuries on either side. But the memories of that terrifying din that night will remain with me always..! Welcome to Africa..!!

This is definitely one of my favorite Bob Gymlan videos. The illustrations, the narration, and the amount of detail put into the retelling this story is amazing!

You can easily say “I would have done this or that” but when an animal in it’s natural habitat grabs you and you’re not aware, you’re screwed. Panic is a killer. A

I couldn't imagine the frustration of capturing one of these lions then having it escape after several workers missed at point blank range

You did the history of these Tsavo Lions justice! Also, from artist to artist, your artwork is very good and line work is on point! I have probably watched/listen to it well over a dozen times now. Keep up the good work! 👍

The incredible descriptions you add to these stories are the equivalent of spices being added to a 5 star meal, no one comes close to you.

“I’m sceptical if anyone’s still listening” don’t even, i watched the whole thing it was amazing I’m subscribing Edit: I have never gotten over 430 likes I’m so thankful to you all

Thank you so much for telling this story. I live in South Africa and the bush is sometimes less than an hour away. Just today an experienced tracker in a reserve was looking for routes that the game rangers could take their customers to view the wildlife. He got out of his vehicle and was very quickly attacked by 2 male lions. No one knew he was missing until a vehicle drove past and saw the lions eating his body. It happens in an instant. He was armed. He was experienced and smart. But stood no chance. The lions were killed because, as we know, once they've tasted human flesh and realise how easy we are to kill and eat, they will often keep killing people. I cannot even begin to imagine this story you shared. But I 100% agree that 200-300 people were killed in 11 months by these two.

I work at the Field Museum and I see these lions quite a bit! It’s cool seeing their entire story on here!

This little old lady really appreciated the attention to detail & crisp descriptions. Thank you, MissAnnie.

I know the movie "The Ghost and the Darkness" wasn't completely accurate, but damn it was a great movie.

Just imagine how Patterson felt when his gun didn't go off? Hunting these things for almost a year, watching it kill people almost every night just to have a misfire.

What an incredible narration & video! Also, thanks for explaining the reason why people couldn't just "fight back", it's the same way people claim they'd never let themselves get assaulted in prison, as if they'd have a say in the matter when 4 grown muscular men grab them at the same time. My friend said some shit like this once & now I can say "Oh you'd fight a lion grabbing you with jaws capable of, idk, a 500+ pound PSI & running at 35-50 mph in pitch black darkness? K bro."

I made it to the end, and it was well worth the journey. I enjoyed the old movie with Val Kilmer and it was interesting to know what really happened. I also remember hiking in Appalachian Virginia and encountering a mother bear and a cub. She trotted a few steps down the trail towards my friend and I before retreating with her cub up a hill at a pace I could never have matched, and I was 21 and could run several miles at the time. You made an interesting point about how nature has been sanitized, made kid friendly, but as Paul P. pointed out in his Missing 411 books, hundreds of people disappear in our national parks every year. Animals aside, rip tides will carry one miles out to sea. As the Taoists say, "Heaven and Earth are impartial," so treat nature with the respect that it deserves, or it just might kill you.

I've never been impressed with a narration after literally 4 seconds before. The tone, the crisp quality, the accent, the pace. Excellent

Damn, the way the last lion was put down was even more nerve wrecking than in the movie.

I love this story, because it's all real but it has just a tinge of the supernatural to it. These lions were either extremely lucky or quite simply had no concept of danger. I wonder if the day Patterson found the first lion body he had that thought of "Mortal after all" once he saw all those scars

I really enjoyed your telling of this story. I have been revisiting this story for 27 years, one of my favorites, and you did it such justice. Bravo

That’s at least the second time I’ve watched this. Incredibly well done. You are truly a master story teller.

I can't imagine how fucking terrifying this shit would have been to live through. I definitely would be in the group of coolies that quit, I'd have fucking died of anxiety or being eaten alive by lions

Bob,anyone who can dislike any of top notch, professional, unparalleled work of yours should be jailed.with the hundreds of video uploads on you tube no one comes close to your work.

I love this video and have watched it at least once a year for several years now. You are a fantastic story teller to say the least. Thank you.

I like the longer format..that is..i like the format that allows me to absorb the most detail and truth.

Dude, you left out the best part, when Patterson discovers their cave and finds all those human bones, that's where he got the 300 figure from. That wasn't fictionalized, they mentioned it at the museum exhibit!

Dude, Patterson was a real hero. He cared so much for these workers. He wanted them safe. He lost sleep for them and took the outcasts under his wing. Win for mankind right there ❤️.

Every time I listen to this story, it's like the first time.

I read the book “Death In The Long Grass”, my grandfather let me read it after him. This story is an incredible one. Your point of view and narration is always something I and a lot of people look forward to. Loved it. 😎👍

18:57 "The Africans simply called them lions" that line gives me chills every time

This is a such great video. Love how you literally described the FULL story, in great detail. Its been out for two years, and I put it on every couple months, because I like it so much. Dont stop making content. Dont care if you decide to only upload once a year, absolutely love your videos

I would tell you, young man, your calm, efficiency of expression, are quite captivating! I was forced to put my phone down, for the sake of my dinner, tonight. However, there wasn't much of a chance, barring unforeseen emergency, that could have dissuaded me from finishing your narration of this terrifying tale! As always, thanks for this project, and all the others, I have heard from you! Smitty!

I loved the movie The Ghost and the Darkness, which set me to looking for documentaries. But I hated all of them. I started five of them but turned them off after five or ten minutes out of boredom. Then I found you… This was an absolutely incredible video. I didn’t think I’d like the illustrations, but I really did. They were excellently done. Between that and your wonderful narration, I was absolutely spellbound. This was good old fashioned storytelling. I could see and experience the whole thing in my imagination because your storytelling was amazing. The only thing I didn’t like was that it ended. So I played it twice. You’ve got a new fan, and a new sub here. This was really brilliantly done! ❤️💕

I’ve actually ‘made it through‘ this about 10 times now. It may be some of the best storytelling on RU-vid.

Loved the story with the art work. And the longer format didn't seem so long due to you being a great story teller

I watch Mr ballen, and this is the first time you've come across my home page. I truly wonder how much we miss that we love so much. Can't wait to hear others!

As a Kenyan am super impressed and happy that you took the time to make this video.. Thank you

Dude any video you do i will watch you are one of the most well spoken and intriguing people on youtube

I must admit that I have to admire the dexterity and determination of the second lion. It certainly felt to me that its onslaught was based on conviction after the death of its peer. It fascinates me how nature endures and adapts to man.

I just want to say this is one of my all time favorite stories. I book marked this video, told several people about it and i revisit it every time i need to get lost in some good storytelling. Thank you! Please never take this video down!

Read the title wrong and thought some madlad started eating lions.

Ironically SINGH means Lion. Rest in peace brave warrior

I am currently studying illustration and the way you incorporate illustrations done by hand into your work along with research is truly inspiring, it makes me feel like "traditional" illustration is still valuable in our increasingly online world

I've been fascinated by the lions of Tsavo for decades. Your storytelling is outstanding.

This story is one of *those* ones. The ones that everybody knows and has heard, but can’t quite remember specific details nor how/where/why they were told it.

I am Kenyan and the region in question is within my county.. While travelling, you can see elephants grazing just nearby..We don't make stopovers while traveling at night because the lions in that place are real..Most recently, several Chinese people were killed by the lions while building the SGR

You guys don't have to tell him how good his telling of this story is *he knows* and it only makes him stronger every time you tell him, he knows this too and at some point he began to reference this story in his other videos to draw us poor unsuspecting victims here to further increase his own strength. Now I shall do my part in strengthening him. Bob, this is one of your best videos!

Bob, you have know idea how much your work means to me. I love everything you produce . Your dignified demeanor and your delivery is second to none. The relief these give me while im fighting cancer is beyond belief. God bless you. Bill feilhauer

I’ve watched this video probably 10 times over the last couple years. You made a masterpiece here, Bob.

I just want to mention how amazing it is that Patterson detailed the saga of these attacks himself and bagged some of the lions himself. This was a man with a mission and like a true leader he put himself first in the line of endangerment. He also worked closely with and valued the contributions of the various cultures of people supporting the operation. In his time he stands out as a gentleman and warrior. Very cool story.

I went down a rabbit hole, via the film The Ghost and the Darkness. Really pleased that I ended up here. Be proud of this, it was narrated excellently 👏 Patterson had some balls, I've got to say. Truth was stranger than fiction with this tale

Bob, your voice alone is unique and combined your fashion of storytelling it becomes wholly captivating!!! And yes I do love the longer format also! I really appreciate you and your style! Thank you. Should you happen to read this comment, I’ve been wondering if you could do something again concerning poor little Dennis Martin and that tragic heartbreaking tale? Take care my Brother!

Bob, your fans always love what you do, whatever the topic. I know I do.

If you’re narrating, I’m listening. *This was incredible*

Don't be skeptical, the story was fascinating and the narration was brilliant, length of the story was perfect, this format is just perfect for your skills and ability in storytelling. Carry-on my good man.

You are building an awesome library of tale Ill listen to over and again. Your style makes this very enjoyable. Perfection is rarely important Keep on going !!

"Your leg caught in a vice and the vice is attached to a car." Awesome as always!

Enjoyed the video! Would love a video on "Vladimir Markov, a poacher who met a grisly end in the winter of 1997 after he shot and wounded a tiger, and then stole part of the tiger's kill. The injured tiger hunted Markov down in a way that appears to be chillingly premeditated. The tiger staked out Markov's cabin, systematically destroyed anything that had Markov's scent on it, and then waited by the front door for Markov to come home."

Although I have heard this story many times before, you presented it in an interesting and entertaining way, without the hype. Love the longer format 😊

I have lost count of how many times I've listened to this video since I first encountered it last year but I'm back again because it's just so damn good! The story, the artwork- it's all so wonderfully cohesive and exhilarating! I feel like I'm right there with Patterson, watching it all take place! Thankfully, I'm not, but it really does suck me in every time! The relief when the threats are finally dispatched is palpable. You really outdid yourself, Bob. Truly.

"Ther Ghost and the Darkness" is a fantastic movie! It's about this story, Michael Douglas, Val Kilmer. Bob did great on this story, I love the long format!

The second lion: *local lion too angry to die*

I'm not sure why you were skeptical that anyone would listen the entire way through, it's nearly 5 years on and I was with you until the end. I appreciate your reasoned approach to this. I'm not entirely sure why anyone should think they didn't kill 300 or more people. It not only seems reasonable but highly likely to me. Thank you, this was fantastic

Those attacks must have been so quick and violent what a traumatic crazy experience! This was awesome hearing this in more detail you're a good narrrator!

"I wouldn't have let the lion drag me away. I would have slept with a pistol or knife in my hand" Keyboard warriors lol...

This story should become a reboot horror miniseries on Hulu or Netflix.

Bob, your narrative skills and dignified delivery are fantastic. Your choice of content is the best I've ever heard, and your illustrations are the best combination I've ever enjoyed. Fighting cancer you have know idea how much these stories keep my mind off the pain . God bless you and your hard work. No one comes close to your professionalism. Your friend Bill feilhauer.

I had never heard of the man eaters of tsavo, but I'm glad this video came across my suggestions, can't wait to see more narratives, this is awesome 👍 keep it up

We are here Bob. I feel the story length was necessary to be thorough. Appreciate all your efforts and your skill at telling these stories. Thank you.

This story always amazed me. Getting rid of those two lions was so difficult, they must have felt cursed. Those lions seemed invincible.

I absolutely love this video, I love when you tell stories like this and the artwork is just beautiful. I love all your videos but my favorites are when you tell stories like this one and others, please keep up the outstanding work I’m always looking forward to your next video

This is a fascinating story. I always liked it. I also have reason to believe I might be related to John H. Patterson. My grandmother once told me about the maneaters when I was a girl. Thanks for doing it.

"If every large predator with a tooth infection was a man-eater, we would be in serious trouble." Lmfao

This has to be one of the most intense cases of spectacularly bad luck and uncanny animal intelligence I’ve ever heard. I knew it was a long ordeal, but good god, the way you told it caught every bit of intensity. Excellent job, man. Especially with the illustrations, it really adds a lot.

Awesome video, awesome subject, I was riveted the entire time. The video could have been 2 hours long, I still would have watched 'till the end. I've seen these fellers at the Field Museum in Chicago and have seen the film "Ghost in the Darkness" and can say your narrative added greatly to the whole story. Thanks for your efforts, Mr. Gymlan

This was amazing. Thank you for all the time spent on this.

Honestly, those four coolies are everyone’s teammates in a uni group project.

I saw “The Ghost and the Darkness” when I was 5 and It scared me so much It left an indelible mark on my early childhood

One note on the fact that so many humans were unable to defend themselves is when you are grabbed and drug away by your legs, it is a lot harder to defend yourself than if the lion was on top of you going for your throat. Lions don't drag other prey items away before killing it, meaning these cats had developed a unique killing method specifically for humans.

Like so many others, I became interested in this storied event due do the film, "Ghosts and the Darkness," not to mention the fact that I've always been fascinated with lions as long as I can remember, a fascination that was inherently imbedded in me since birth, i.e., being born under the astrological sign of "Leo," plus my name being associated with one of the most famous biblical stories which had involved an unlikely survival of a would be death-sentence among lions. The details of the events of the Tsavo lions relayed in this video were some of the most thorough I've ever come across. It was easy to stay enthralled until the end by not only the details given, but also the after-facts statistics, skeptic-discounting discrepancies, and the video author's going the extra mile to show the high probability of likelihood of the accurate dissemination of the events by Lt.-Col. John Henry Patterson. The illustrations were well conceived in helping visualize the events as they were described.

If you think I’m gonna drop everything I was doing just now to watch an hour long video on some lions then your absolutely god damn right, love your channel Bob 🙏🏾

I’ve always been fascinated by this story. I’ve seen those lions in Chicago. He had them as rugs for years. They’re in terrible shape now because of that.

GREAT VIDEO! I have always been interested in the accounts of the "Man-eaters of Tsavo." Being a hunter myself, I appreciate that these rare situations with predators do happen. The one thing they all have in common is the predator's "blitz attack" giving the predator every advantage. One indisputable fact is if the predator is within just a few yards, and on level ground, of the prey when the blitz attack happens, the prey, no matter how well armed, has a chance to react.

Been amazed by this for years. Thank you for one of the best telling of these events. 300 plus victims is absolutely believable if one truly studies nature.

the Indians called them "ghosts" The Mohammedans called them "devils" and the africans simply called them "Lions" holy shit. I got chills listening to this

When hes so good at telling the story your scared that a lion is gonna get you even though you nowhere near where lions live 💀💀

Very well done I am a truck driver and I listen to the entire story while driving from Arizona to California loved it! Thank you very much the ghost and the darkness! Exclamation

This was so goood and I loved it, I'm binge watching your channel and you've provided me the most entertainment out of youtube in years all in one channel. Thank you for this, I love you dude.