A baby lion named Scarface, was born in 2007, in the Masai-Mara reserve, National Park — Africa’s Most Iconic Wilderness.
When this young lion traveled far & wide into other territories, away from the reserve — nobody knew where he went, but the locals who oversee the vast park, were overjoyed to see that he came back, all grown up, wise and savvy … with a swagger characteristic of himself and some of the most dignified & powerful old lions.
But this was still a young lion, and the nomads did not know where he went — nor did they know that he would become the most legendary lion ever.
Living in the Masai Mara National Reserve that is located in south west Kenya and is a vast scenic expanse of gently rolling African savannah plains, measuring upwards of fifteen thousand square kilometers and bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south — is a real treat for any animal that is found here, where nature is allowed to take its course as it has over many thousands of years.
And because the Masai Mara is a unique wildlife conservation haven, famous for its spectacular natural diversity of wildlife, and the untamed animals on whose behalf, all the valiant preservation efforts against poachers, and trophy hunters, cause this territory to be the premier wildlife habitat in East Africa, as this animal paradise houses large numbers of lions, cheetah, elephants, rhinos, African buffalo, wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, and many more wild animals, that are found in their natural habitat, unconfined, and free to roam the vast Kenyan wilderness, stretching for thousands of miles on end.
It is no surprise that fewer safari travelers from all over the world, can now travel here, because to experience the famed Masai Mara Safari, now that the reserve has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the World — the locals have had to limit the number of permits, lists the park gets mobbed with hundreds of camera totting tourists, that might outnumber the wildlife and turn the wild beasts into house pets.
The origin of the name “Masai” comes from the Maasai tribe of nomadic inhabitants of the area, and the word “Mara” is their peculiar name, referring to the ubiquitous flat topped acacia trees, shrubs, and bushes, that dot the landscape across most of the Masai Mara reserve.
It was here where this young lion developed his unique style of Leadership, famous amongst all the lion prides for taking on all comers, and fighting to the death, as he took what he wanted, and as he fought all his battles alone, till the very end.
Indeed he was respected far & wide, not only amongst the wild animals, but also amongst the people, the guardians, and the nomads — thus becoming the most respected lion who ever lived in the vast “reserve” of the African savannah.
Yet, no-one ever expected, that he would survive his many battles to protect his pride, his young ones, and his females — nor did the other animals fail to observe his rise to power as the King of the Jungle, as if he were endowed with special powers and protection…
The scar over his right eye, gave him his name, Scarface, but it was his immense courage that made him unforgettable…
Legend has it that “Scarface” alone — had killed more than 400 hyenas, and 130 male lions who had challenged him, or tried to steak away his “pride.”
He had driven crocodiles from his territory, and is believed to have been the only lion to defeat adult hippos, in one-on-one mortal combat.
Unlike other lions, whose reign rarely lasts more than three years — Scarface dominated multiple lion-prides, for more than a decade.
In 2012, he survived a serious eye injury, and in his old age, he defied all logic, trekking 25 km back to his former territory. Even the feared “Salas” a fierce coalition of young lions, respected him, and kept away from him, during his final days.
On June 11, 2021, at the age of 14, he died peacefully in his sleep.
A rarity for a wild lion…
There were no final battles or humiliating defeats.
Scarface — left this life, like a king, alone, and with his dignity intact — leaving behind a legacy that made him the most famous lion in the world.
Yours,
Dr Churchill
PS:
