KopeLion News

  • Published On: July 6, 2021

    Noongoile has been seen in the company of two males: Laipangwa from Ndutu and Titan Jr, one of the Crater's Lake Quintet coalition.

  • Published On: March 6, 2021

    Ndolok Kitiliya lives in the most incredibly beautiful, but dry, Nasera area and is the Regional Coordinator for the Ilchokuti across to and including Ndutu.

  • Published On: March 6, 2021

    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.

  • Published On: March 6, 2021

    Having counted and verified all observations of lion presence in the two administrative wards of Misigyo and Ngorongoro between October - January, we held the first ceremonies to announce how much the villages have earned during the period.

  • Published On: February 6, 2021

    Thanks to the NCA Authority for providing us with their 'wooden house' and to Ndutu Lodge for their support in refurbishment, KopeLion has a new office and staff bedrooms.

  • Published On: January 6, 2021

    We're delighted to announce that through KopeLion has received a grant from @insidenatgeo, through Ingela Jansson, our Co-founder, and Nat Geo Explorer.

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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.

1 week ago

Kope Lion
Meet Joshua Mepalari – KopeLion’s Expert Mechanic! 🛻🦁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.But Joshua’s impact goes beyond just tools and tyres.“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.”We’re proud to have Joshua on the team—his skills, curiosity, and connection to the community make him an invaluable part of KopeLion.📷: @bobbyjosafaris ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Kope Lion
Crater Brothers 📷: Bobby-Jo Safaris ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Kope Lion
Collar Off, Legacy On 💪🏻After 770 days, the GPS collar of Lopirr, one of Ndutu’s iconic male lions, has successfully dropped off.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.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.Today, Lopirr is nomadic, still ranging through the Ndutu landscape and leaving his mark—he’s even sired cubs with the Twin Hills pride.Collaring lions like Lopirr is vital for conservation:🔹 Understanding Behavior – It provides invaluable data on movements, social dynamics, and habitat use.🔹 Protecting Lions – Collars help us monitor high-risk individuals and intervene if needed.🔹 Community Safety – They act as an early warning system, allowing communities to prepare and avoid conflict.Thank you, Lopirr, for the knowledge you’ve given us and the future you’ve helped protect—for lions and for people. ... See MoreSee Less
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