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.

Elusive Leopards

Leopard (Panthera pardus pardus)
Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2009

Bella's legacy...

Binti

Olive

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.

Mara Birds

Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2009

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)

A pair of Speckled Pigeons (Columba guinea)

Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)

Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croceus)

Sunrise

Musiara, Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2009

Masai Giraffe

Masai Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)
Masai Mara (Kenya)
September 2009

Notch, King of the Mara

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

Notch was the Marsh/Bila Shaka pride male until he was deposed by a coalition of 3 males in 2007.

Two years on, at about 9 years old and past his prime, he has formed a powerful coalition with five of his sons.  Notch truly is 'The King of the Mara'.