A Tribute to Narok

 

Credit: David Saruni

We are sorry to end this month with the saddest news. Our legendary lioness, Narok, was killed by another lion while she was trying to protect her daughter’s cubs in a dispute between two prides. We don’t know if this was a chance encounter or whether the male lions intended to take over the pride. Nature is not romantic or cruel, just indifferent, and this was a natural end to an iconic life.

It has taken a little while to assess the aftermath of this incident, Narok’s collar a poignant reminder of how much she meant to the Conservancy and all of the staff. Fortunately the seven other lionesses have all been seen close to The Cottage where Tom and Jo live, and the two male lions that used to be with the pride have been keeping a low profile close to Kiboko Dam.

The rangers and staff describe Narok’s passing as being like that of a sister, and everyone is reeling despite the fact that they know that it is all part of the inevitable circle of a life in the wild. Seventeen years is a long life for any lioness, and back in 2008, when she was first collared, she was in grave danger of being killed by angry livestock owners because the pride were killing livestock. She was monitored from that time by Lion Landscapes and Loisaba Conservancy and has survived to be the oldest lioness they have on record, leading the pride for many years and giving birth to many cubs.

With an elephant kill. Credit: David Saruni

Now her long reign is over but her legacy in terms of lion research will continue into the future.

Narok in 2014

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