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✯ Lions of Africa: The Ivory Trio male coalition 2004 - 2019 [Nairobi National Park - Kenya] ✍ Note: Glimpse of Mohawk’s life - For many years two magnificent lions lived in the Nairobi National Park, because they were dominant males and were seen so often by many people, they were given the names of Sam & Cheru (sons of the dominant male Ujonjo who died few years ago). It is estimated that Cheru was born in 2004 and that Sam was born in 2005. Sam, Cheru and Simbeo their friend, were given the name the ‘Ivory Trio’ because they used to frequent the zone around the Ivory Burn Site. Years later their half-brother who was called Mohawk (aptly named due to a tuft of hair on top of his head similar to the hairstyle adopted by the hip-hop generation) joined them. He often patrolled with Simbeo and their bond was very close. In 2015 Simbeo disappeared (probably killed by rival males) and Mohawk left the coalition to join with another male named Kip. Mohawk’s troubles started when his friend Kip died of natural causes. With the loss of his comrade in arms who would run to his side in times of trouble, Mohawk was fully exposed and could hardly win subsequent battles. The real test for him came in January 2016 when a more energetic male called Dick battled Mohawk for the control of the Kingfisher pride. Mohawk lost the battle and was kicked out. He tried to pass through Alex and Cheru’s territory where he also lost out. Having been dethroned, he had no option but to get away from it all. He had no intention of confronting humans. Those who followed him since his early days describe him as a lion that was always at ease with human presence and would be spotted many times near the park headquarters and around the ivory burning site. His movements, however, were also unpredictable. He would disappear for months only to resurface in a weakened state, but would soon bounce back to vitality. His main adversaries were two of his half-brothers, Cheru and Sam. Cheru was the lion that was seen loitering on Mombasa Road recently where he attacked a man who was later hospitalised. In one instance, Mohawk was chased away by the two and had to seek shelter near some rangers stationed in the park. The two attackers were distracted by a wildebeest carcass and forgot about Mohawk. With the fights intensifying, Mohawk opted for the less combative option – run away. Tired of the perennial confrontations with rivals, Mohawk was running away and according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), was trying to establish a new territory, a territory where his roar will never be heard again. The shooting of the lion near Isinya in Kajiado County on 30th March 2016, left the country reeling in shock. Millions around the world watched as the excruciating pain became too much to bear for the lion. Those who study wild animal behaviour know that they get annoyed when in unfamiliar territory. They particularly feel vulnerable when confronted by the more intelligent, two legged creature – man. Mob action got Mohawk irritated and chased after a motorcycle rider, injuring him. “The injury to Evans Murigi (the motorcycle rider) and the possible further injuries to other people prompted the KWS team to bring down the lion as the very last resort,” read the KWS statement. He was buried near the Kingfisher picnic site, the heart of his former kingdom. It may be possible to construct a kind of a monument in the near future where his admirers can always visit. At the time, Mohawk was survived by a younger lion who is almost a replica of his father, more like the case of Mufasa and Simba of the Lion King Fame, his own son Sirikoi. After the death of Mohwak, the duo of the once “Ivory Trio“ coalition ruled their kingdom for many years. In December 2019 it was noted that Cheru looked as if he had been in big fight as his eye was ripped open. In January 2020 , he simply disappeared without trace and hopefully died peacefully. After Cheru died, Sam being old and alone was not able to hold on to his position of being a dominant lion, especially as there are strong young lions like Embakasi and Sirikoi who were now mature and were fighting for the royal “title” of Nairobi National Park lion king. Most recently old Sam was involved in a nocturnal fight and was found severely wounded near the No.7 Karen-Primary dam, even the prompt actions of the KWS veterinary team could not save him as the severe nature of his wounds resulted in septic shock and death within a short period of time. Later it was confirmed that both, Cheru and Sam, were killed by Mohawk´s son Sirikoi. It was a late revenge for his father who died because he wasn´t accepted back by his half-brothers. What a story.... 🎬 All vids & pics are copyright of its original authors (rangers, field guides, photographers, tourists): A big thank you for the great effort and sharing these exciting moments with all of us❗ #lionnairobinationalpark #lionfight
