Blood is Thicker Than Water

Lions, much like humans, form strong bonds with their relatives, facing the challenges of the wild together and supporting each other in time of need. There’s a Swahili saying, “Damu ni nzito kuliko maji,” which translates to “blood is thicker than water.” This proverb captures the innate connection and affinity often felt towards family members, even if they are not well-known to each other.

The expansive Selenkay Conservancy, lush and green after a fruitful rainy season, is experiencing a return of many wildlife species in search of water sources as other areas have dried up. Lions, who naturally follow their prey, are also returning to the Conservancy, drawn by its water and abundance of prey. Among the resident prides, most females are related, with notable members including Nawashie, Sunkuroi, and Noldupai, who prefer the northern part of the Conservancy.

 

 

Recently, we were surprised to discover two sub-adult male lions, cousins, staying together despite their prides being far apart. The younger male, Loltepesi, comes from a pride led by Nolembae and Normumunyi in the eastern part of Selenkay Conservancy. He left his sisters and mother to join Lenkumumua, the son of Nawashie.

Our teams recently received a report from tour drivers from Amboseli Porini camp that two sub-adult male lions had been spotted, one of which had a porcupine quill lodged between his nose and mouth, causing discomfort and impacting his ability to eat and hunt. Deeply concerned for his well-being, we quickly set out to locate the lions and assess the situation, possibly calling in a vet if needed. Following their tracks, we found signs of their presence and a blood-stained 3-4 inch porcupine quill on the ground, suggesting that Loltepesi must have been treated by his cousin who decided to bite and pull out the porcupine quill! We were thrilled by this finding and decided to track the lions in order to verify.

We soon found them and were relieved to see that his wound, though still visible, was healing. This moment is just one of the many inexplicable wonders of the wild. Despite not being closely acquainted, these two males instinctively supported each other, embodying the spirit of “Damu ni nzito kuliko maji.”