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The Lions of the Triangle: An Update

From deadly territory conflicts to the constant shift in coalitions, the lions of the Mara Triangle are living proof that change is the only constant in the wild
Above: The Bila Shaka boys — a force to be reckoned with
Above: The Bila Shaka boys — a force to be reckoned with

Lion family dynamics present a complex subject that is challenging to conclusively detail with utmost certainty. The intricate social structure involves the formation of strong bonds among females, who collaborate in the hunting and nurturing of their cubs. Conversely, males exhibit territorial behaviours, which often result in aggression toward one another. Territorial disputes and power struggles are an inherent aspect of their social ecology; this dynamic tension often leads to changes within the pride.

The Bila Shaka Boys & The Angama Pride

With a territory extending to both banks in the north of the Triangle, the five Bila Shaka boys — Koshoke, Kiok, Chongo, Doa and Kibogoyo — all born in 2014 into the Moniko Pride in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, are increasingly spending their time venturing further into the Greater Mara. This shift in their territory usage is creating a power vacuum in the Mara Triangle. The Angama lioness lost her previous litter of four cubs who were sired by the Bila Shakas to a marauding male from the Southern region, emphasising the vulnerability when a territory is left unguarded.

Kibogoyo, looking a bit roughed up
Kibogoyo, looking a bit roughed up
Chongo, meaning 'bad eye'
Chongo, meaning 'bad eye'
Kiok and Koshoke on patrol
Kiok and Koshoke on patrol
Doa, finding his light
Doa, finding his light

The Angama lioness then mated with the 'cub killer' (as we affectionately call him) as well as three of the Bila Shaka boys, securing temporary security for the cubs as all four males think they are the fathers. The Angama lioness is currently nurturing her two cubs alongside the marauding male as well as a younger male who has broken off from the Owino Pride. This unique coalition has forged an intriguing bond; as they collaborate in hunting activities and collectively participate in the upbringing of the two cubs.

The iconic Angama lioness stare
The iconic Angama lioness stare
The dashing but infamous 'cub killer'
The dashing but infamous 'cub killer'

Nearby, the Swamp lioness is tending to her three (now sizeable) boys, along with the support of her sister. Despite the challenges faced by this modest pride in safeguarding and nurturing the growing cubs, they continue to thrive.

A female on a mission, the Swamp lioness
A female on a mission, the Swamp lioness
With three growing boys, the Swamp lioness has her work cut out for her
With three growing boys, the Swamp lioness has her work cut out for her

The Sausage Tree Pride

To the west of the Triangle along the Tanzanian border is the Sausage Tree Pride, under the leadership of Kinky Tail, likely the oldest female in the Triangle. This pride has a history marked by various takeovers, often involving males entering from the Serengeti. Presently, the protection of the pride rests on the shoulders of the two Lamai males who killed the former dominant male, Ol Donyo Paek, in August 2021.

The aptly named Kinky Tail with a Lamai male
The aptly named Kinky Tail with a Lamai male
The ever-growing Sausage Tree Pride with another Lamai male
The ever-growing Sausage Tree Pride with another Lamai male

A takeover of the Sausage Tree Pride resulted in the emergence of the Taliban males, also known as the Nyati males, because of their ability to hunt buffalo (or nyati in Swahili). After their father, Ol Donyo Paek's demise, the six young males ventured north from the border region, establishing their dominance in a more central area of the Triangle. These formidable males are growing in strength and audacity as they mature, though they did lose one member in a confrontation with the Inselberg males. Currently, the five surviving Nyati boys not only maintain control over their territory but have also sired cubs with the Egyptian Pride.

Troublemakers from the start
Troublemakers from the start
They love hunting, fighting and mating
They love hunting, fighting and mating
They are still unnamed as of yet
They are still unnamed as of yet
Though their personalities are starting to show
Though their personalities are starting to show
And losing a brother hasn't slowed them down
And losing a brother hasn't slowed them down

The Owino Pride, now situated within the territory controlled by the Nyati males, has undergone significant c