Uploaded August 2016 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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In 1898, two African lions began attacking and consuming railway workers in Tsavo, Kenya. First reports estimated that 135 people fell victim to these "man-eaters," but further research published in 2009 lessened that number to 35 individuals. Over the years, different theories as to what motivated these attacks have varied, and recently we got to talk with two experts who are working towards finding an answer.
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Bruce Patterson's book, "The Lions of Tsavo: Exploring the Legacy of Africa's Notorious Man-Eaters." amzn.to/2bCqx3a
More about Bruce's work at The Field Museum: fieldmuseum.org/about/staff/profile/66
"Cooperation and individuality among man-eating lions," Yeakel et al. 2009 pnas.org/content/106/45/19040.full
"Legendary 'man-eating' lions of Tsavo likely ate about 35 people -- not 135, scientists say." fieldmuseum.org/science/blog/man-eating-lions-ate-fewer-people-believed

Dr. Larisa DeSantis' website: bit.ly/2bA47lq

Colonel John H. Patterson's book (no relation to Dr. Bruce Patterson): "The Man-Eaters of Tsavo: and other East African Adventures." amzn.to/2bf16lD

Some of this material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1053839. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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Producer, Writer, Creator, Host:
Emily Graslie

Director, Editor, Graphics, Sound:
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This episode is supported by and filmed on location at:
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(http://www.fieldmuseum.org)

And made possible with help from the Harris Family Foundation.
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