RESILIENCE AND COURAGE: NANAI’S JOURNEY OF RECOVERY
DISCLAIMER: GRAPHIC IMAGES
Nanai is a very well-known lioness that we have known since she was born almost 14 years ago. We have watched her grow up in Samburu and be the most efficient hunter and mother that she is. Nanai has given birth to so many cubs – who are often seen in Samburu. She occasionally moves to Buffalo Springs and can often be seen along the Ewaso Nyiro River. She is truly an icon of northern Kenya.
For a number of months, we have closely monitored Nanai after noticing a growth below her mouth. Late last year, we became concerned that it was growing and was affecting her hunting and feeding ability. With 3 cubs depending on her, we were greatly concerned.
Nanai on the 26th of December 2022
Nanai on 4th January 2023
We worked quickly with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Samburu National Reserve (SNR) to bring in Dr. Mutinda (Lewa Wildlife Conservancy & KWS) and Dr. Oundo (North Kenya Veterinary Services) to help Nanai through this difficult and complex situation.
On the 16th of January, Dr. Mutinda and Dr. Oundo quickly arrived to assess Nanai. After the assessment using a portable X-ray machine, they identified a fracture in Nanai’s jaw, and a decision was made to surgically remove the mass from her mouth. Her surgery occurred on the 18th of January and we collared her for close monitoring. Despite sleepless nights and very long days, our team remained hopeful that Nanai would recover. Jeneria and his team have closely watched over Nanai documenting every step of her journey to recovery.
We are thrilled that Nanai’s mouth looks much better following her surgery. We had a great sighting of her and her cubs as they sat along the Ewaso Nyiro River and eventually even chased some impalas. She has also hunted warthogs a few times with her cubs. This is a true story of resilience and courage.
Nanai’s Surgery on 18th January 2023
Nanai on 23rd January 2023
Nanai on 26th January 2023
Nanai and her cubs on 11th February 2023
April 2023 Update on Nanai
Nanai continues to hunt successfully even during the rains when it becomes more challenging for lions. She is still with her cubs who are growing quickly and will be named soon!
We are so grateful for the extraordinary effort from Dr. Mutinda and Dr. Oundo, Dr. Kurere and Solomon Lenasalia (Kura’s Pride & Vetinwild), Samburu rangers and their leadership through Tom Lesarge and Moses Lolmodooni who have all been outstanding, Samburu KWS Warden and the KWS Veterinary Unit team, and all tour guides who reported her sightings frequently.
We thank all our friends and supporters for ensuring that our work goes on, and our mission is fulfilled. Together we have given Nanai and her cubs the very best chance of survival.
© All photos by Ewaso Lions
