Other male lion coalitions from Masai Mara

[Timbavati]

Chongo & Kibogoyo - two Faces of the same Story
All of the Bila Shaka Males have lost mane-size over the last year. While Doa and Chongo still look handsome Koshoke, Kibogoyo and Kiok look like battered veterans just being 7 years old. 
Kiok never developed a decent mane for some reason and there is not much left now. Koshoke and Kibo never had a really big manes (like Olbarnoti there likely sire) and lost some of it, esp Kibo lost a lot around his neck as a result of a nasty injury (subject to a seperate post). 
Mane-size is only one piece of the story as Koshoke, Kibo and Kiok also sport countless scars in their faces. Interstingly they are all physically in top-condition and none of them is sporting scars or healed bite-marks on their bodies. All their fighting obviously targeted single Males, young Coalition as well as themselves. Doa and Chongo obviously choose their battles more wisely.
So why did these Males lose mane-size while they are looking very healthy otherwise? Maybe the constant stress of taking over new grounds and Prides is the reason? Maybe.
Maasai Mara July 2021
Photo credits: Peter Rettig

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

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