For over a decade we have been mainly observing solitary lions (check out this article written on the solitary lions of Samburu). Since 2022, we have noticed a transformation and we now have a number of prides!
Nanai’s Pride
This year we have had extraordinary sightings of the Kalama pride – including 2 young cubs. In September, we watched the cubs play, Neiyo the mother hunt, and Ldere and the younger male rest under an Acacia tree. We also have a pride in Shaba, Nanai’s pride and Naramat’s pride.
Ldere in the Kalama Pride
Neiyo’s little cubs
We suspect that the formation of prides in recent times has partially been as a result of last year’s drought and the lions were squeezed in to smaller areas. Large prey was also plentiful and were easier to access, and there was no need to compete for smaller prey. Nanai’s pride in particular comprises a number of sub-adults, who are all supporting each other to adulthood. This is an interesting time for the lion population and our team are all keenly recording the changes!
