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Two lions in Kenya's Masai Mara reserve were killed Saturday night. They were thrown a poisoned cow carcass to eat, according to Discovery.

Eight lions of the Marsh Pride, who became the stars of BBC's "Big Cat Diary" series were deliberately poisoned. Two of them died, while one of them is missing and five are being treated by veterinarians.

The two stars included Bibi, a 17-year-old female who died while her missing co-star was Sienna. "Big Cat Diary" has been running from 1996 to 2008.

"Five more lions are in critical condition. The poisoning of lions in the Mara is a disgrace to all Kenyans and is a very serious offence," said Kenya's Wildlife Direct Charity's Paula Kahumbu.

"I am sick to the heart to hear of the poisoning of the Marsh Pride lions, and horrified to think of the pain they suffered as they died," said Kenyan conservationist Saba Douglas-Hamilton, a television presenter who also contributed to the show.

It was actually the "end of an era" for zoologist Jonathan Scott, the show's original presenter, who has been following the Marsh Pride for 40.

It is surmised that the incident had been caused by herders of livestock, who graze here at night, even though it is not permitted on the reserve. It is a common though illegal activity here when the officials are not around. So the livestock faces the threat of predators such as lions at night, which angers their herders.

"But in the last few years, the situation has escalated beyond all reason," added Scott, according to National Geographic. in the area have used poison and spears to kill some of the lions.

Kenyan Wildlife Services has arrested three suspects. They might face hefty fines up to $196,000 or may even face life imprisonment.

YouTube/BBC Worldwide