Lopirr Buddha seen here as a cub and now as a young male. Photo Roimen Lelya/Ingela Jansson
Lopirr Buddha seen here as a cub and now as a young male. Photo Roimen Lelya/Ingela Jansson

Lopirr Buddha seen here as a cub and now as a young male. Photo Roimen Lelya/Ingela Jansson

After some years of following Nosikitok and her pride in Ndutu, her collar dropped off as per schedule in December, and we needed to find a new lion to follow. Roimen was aware of some young males roaming widely and to collar one of these males would give us an opportunity to warn people of their presence on a daily basis, enabling them to keep their livestock out of harm’s way and for us to keep an eye out for the lions and protect them on their travels through NCA.

Thanks to the KopeLion team and Dr. Wambura, one of the three brothers, who are together, was collared on the 4th of January between Ndutu and the Highlands, and due to his size was given the names Lopirr, which means the large one in Maa, and Buddha at the request of the Mansharamani family who has so generously supported KopeLion work.

Lopirr Buddha is originally from the Carter Lakes pride and is either the son of Noongoile or her Aunt. The gang has been currently pretty settled in the Kiloki valley feeding on the richness of the migration passing through.

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Kope Lion

Kope Lion

KopeLion Inc. (short for Korongoro People’s Lion Initiative) is a non-profit NGO registered in USA and in Tanzania. Our mission is to foster human-lion coexistence through participatory research and sustainable community-based conservation.

2 weeks ago

Kope Lion
Big news for lion conservation!Congratulations to Dr. Nicholas Dussex and Dr. Ingela Jansson Kope Lion of KopeLion, on the publication of their important new paper:Dussex et al. 2025 – “Constraints to gene flow increase the risk of genome erosion in the Ngorongoro Crater lion population.”This groundbreaking study sheds light on the genetic isolation of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater lions and the urgent need to protect their future through science-led conservation.A huge shoutout to the entire research team for their dedication to safeguarding Africa’s lions—this is a vital step forward for conservation genetics and coexistence efforts in the region.Read the full paper here: rdcu.be/eiBW9📷: Bobby-Jo Safaris ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

Kope Lion
Our first full staff meeting of the year brought together the KopeLion team—including our Ilchokuti—for a valuable time of learning, collaboration, and connection.The meeting also kicked off preparations for our April–July lion survey, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready. These biannual gatherings strengthen both our work and our team spirit on the ground.Check out the outdoor cinema in the last two photos 🤣 ... See MoreSee Less
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