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Enjoy a summary of KopeLion’s 2022 – a busy and constructive year, enabling pastoralists and lions to coexist in Ngorongoro.
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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.
Meet Joshua Mepalari – KopeLion’s Expert Mechanic! 🛻🦁![]()
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Joshua Mepalari, from Endulen village in Ngorongoro, is a talented vehicle mechanic and experienced driver whose passion and dedication keep our fieldwork running smoothly. Since joining KopeLion in August 2024, Joshua has become a crucial part of the team—maintaining and repairing our vehicles before, during, and after lion monitoring missions across challenging terrain.![]()
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But Joshua’s impact goes beyond just tools and tyres.![]()
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“I enjoy being part of work that promotes harmony between humans, livestock, and lions—living together in peace,” he shares. “This work also brings me closer to my community, as they often ask me where lions are so they can keep their families and herds safe. I’ve also gained new skills—improving my knowledge of vehicles like the Land Rover and even learning to use computers.”![]()
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We’re proud to have Joshua on the team—his skills, curiosity, and connection to the community make him an invaluable part of KopeLion.![]()
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📷: @bobbyjosafaris
Collar Off, Legacy On 💪🏻![]()
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After 770 days, the GPS collar of Lopirr, one of Ndutu’s iconic male lions, has successfully dropped off.![]()
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Lopirr was born in June 2017 in the Ngorongoro Crater. As a young, vulnerable male navigating unfamiliar territory, he made a bold move to the Ndutu area. To help protect him during this risky stage of life, he was collared in January 2021.![]()
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An enormous lion with a powerful build, he earned the name Lopirr, meaning “heavy” in Maa—perfectly suited for this impressive male. Around Ndutu, we fondly call him Buddah.![]()
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Today, Lopirr is nomadic, still ranging through the Ndutu landscape and leaving his mark—he’s even sired cubs with the Twin Hills pride.![]()
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Collaring lions like Lopirr is vital for conservation:![]()
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🔹 Understanding Behavior – It provides invaluable data on movements, social dynamics, and habitat use.![]()
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🔹 Protecting Lions – Collars help us monitor high-risk individuals and intervene if needed.![]()
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🔹 Community Safety – They act as an early warning system, allowing communities to prepare and avoid conflict.![]()
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Thank you, Lopirr, for the knowledge you’ve given us and the future you’ve helped protect—for lions and for people.
