Noongoile seen with Titan Jr hidden by long grass in close proximity to a homestead. Photo Roimen Lelya
Noongoile seen with Titan Jr hidden by long grass in close proximity to a homestead. Photo Roimen Lelya

Noongoile seen with Titan Jr hidden by long grass in close proximity to a homestead. Photo Roimen Lelya

With her cubs now juveniles, and her former mate, NguvuKazi, no more (having died in April), Noongoile has been seen in the company of two males: Laipangwa from Ndutu and Titan Jr, one of the Crater’s Lake Quintet coalition.

Despite hailing from inside the Crater, she’s decided to stay out in the community occupied highlands, preferring the Malanja depression and surrounds, often close to people and being watched and protected carefully by Kayanda, Maanda and Masanja, the three Ilchokuti in this area.

While we manage to keep conflict to a minimum, its tough to keep up with her 24/7 on foot. Last week Noongoile killed a large bull all on her own, and in a separate incident her two juvenile females, who have not gone far, killed a donkey.

Noongoile, her large cubs and cohorts, will test our 3 year trial on paying for the lions presence, and we are hoping that we can ensure that the three villages in the Ngorongoro ward will earn more from their lions than they lose through livestock depredations, and that Noongoile is valued as an asset.

Cover for Kope Lion
4,986
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
At Kopelion, we’re bringing old GPS units back to life and putting them to work in the field once again!These repurposed devices are essential tools that help us track lion movements, monitor territories, and gather critical conservation data — all while reducing waste and maximising resources.Every piece of technology has a story, and with a little innovation, it can help write a new chapter in lion conservation. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

3 weeks 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
View on Facebook