Chongo - The Thinker

Lion (Panthera leo massaicus)

Marsh Pride, Musiara, Masai Mara (Kenya)
October 2019

Chongo, part of the Bila Shaka coalition of 6 males, was born in 2014 in the Moniko Pride and sired by legendary males Lolparpit and Olbarnoti.
The 5 other males of the coalition are Baba Yao, Doa, Kiok, Kibogoyo and Koshoke.
Baba Yao disappeared in 2019 after a fight with 3 Salas coalition males.  In March 2020 Doa separated from the rest of the coalition to remain with the Topi Pride.

End of an Era...

Lion (Panthera leo massaicus)
Musiara, Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2009

Clawed, one of the two pride males, is nearing the end of his reign.

Sunrise

Musiara, Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2009

White Eye and cub

African Lion (Panthera leo massaicus)
Marsh/Bila Shaka pride, Musiara/Bila Shaka, Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2007

Romeo

African lion (Panthera leo massaicus)
Marsh/Bila Shaka pride male, Musiara, Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2007

Big Bull

African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana africana)
Musiara, Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2007

Taking measure

African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana africana)
Musiara, Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2005

When 2 bull elephants of equal size meet, they literally 'size each other up' by coming together with their heads until the bases of their trunks and tusks are engaged.
Trying to be taller than the other, they press down on each other. The winner is the one that shows the most stamina, managing to hold his head higher than the other.

In this case neither of the 2 bulls showed real aggression, resulting in a 'friendly sparring match'.

Peaceful scene at Bila Shaka

African Lion (Panthera leo massaicus)
Marsh/Bila Shaka pride, Musiara, Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2005

Top Notch

Lion (Panthera leo massaicus)
Marsh/Bila Shaka pride, Musiara, Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2005

Notch (BBC Big Cat Week) was the Marsh/Bila Shaka pride male until he was deposed by a coalition of 3 males.