Lion Guardians

This year’s awards for the Lion Guardian games were divided into six categories. The most reliable award went to Leparakuo Shuaka from Eselenkei. He was rewarded for being quick to respond to conflicts, effective monitoring of his zone, readiness to work at all hours of the day, finding 4 lost young herders and for his flexibility at work. The most improved award went to Jackson Leposo from S.Olgulului who quickly mastered the use of telemetry, improved writing skills, honesty and reliability in collection of data as well as making 72 quality phone reports. The best community impact award was given to Masarie Ologela who fenced a total of 32 bomas that had been visited by carnivores, all of which never again experienced incursions. Also of the 963 lost livestock reported to him, he helped find 886 of them which is a 92% success rate!

The Guardians are all smiles during the award ceremony as they cheer for their comrades

Mingati Makarot from Mbirikani won the beyond the call of duty annual award. His encouragement and organizing of fellow Lion Guardians to venture into conflict prone areas beyond the jurisdiction of the project in search of collared lions was recognized and praised by all. Samanya Lerionka from Olgulului who managed to stop 14 lion hunts on his own by being creative in front of angry Morans won the innovation award. However, it was Kamunu Saitoti from Eselenkei who brought down the curtain with applause by grabbing the most coveted greatest program impact award amidst ululation and cheering from his admiring colleagues. His impressive leadership skills and eloquence as well as his ability to improve communal tolerance towards carnivores in a conflict prone zone placed him in a class above the rest. He received his award from Mr. Don Young who praised the games for being competitive and the entire Lion Guardian team for effectively contributing to the protection of key wildlife species in the Amboseli ecosystem.

Kamunu accepting his coveted award

The third annual Lion Guardian Games were held on the expansive plains of Oldoinyo-Wuas among the foothills of the Chyulu range. Lion Guardians were looking forward to this day with great anticipation and excitement and they were not disappointed. True to its nature, the games lived up to their usual competitive billing. Drawn from all corners of the 3500 square km Amboseli ecosystem, the Lion Guardians exhibited competitive spirit of a true traditional Maasai warrior. Of all the winners of the previous 2 editions of the games, only one Lion Guardian managed to defend his title while the rest were dethroned.

The Lion Guardian team

This year, a new event called receiver challenge was added specifically to test the skills of Lion Guardians in picking-up radio telemetry signals and in herding. Eselenkei Group Ranch grabbed 4 out of 6 awards on offer thus keeping the championship title they won last year!

Mokoi showing his skills in the receiver challange

Lion Guardian Kamunu Saitoti was clearly a class above the rest as he scooped wins in 2 events; stick throwing and receiver challenge, before finally grabbing the most coveted Greatest Project Impact award.

Kamunu searching for his collar during the challenge

Kuyan Nterepia from Eselenkei won the competitive 100m dash to dethrone the previous winner Lopono who did not qualify for the final.

Kuyan winning the sprint!

The newly wed Lenkai Nkiinti showed his seriousness this time around by taking the spear throwing distance award after beating a congested field.

Lenkai out distancing his competitors in spear throwing

Spear throwing accuracy was extremely competitive before Kisimir Olamayiani hit the target to give Mbirikani Group Ranch a consolation.

Kisimir throws.....

...and he scores!

Olgulului Group Ranch successfully defended the football title after beating Eselenkei 2-0 before a capacity crowd of cheering fans. Striker Philip Briggs, who orchestrated their attacks, scored a goal and set-up another to silence his football rival Eric Ole Kesoi. Even though he was the target of many fouls, lanky Briggs had the last laugh as he led his team to the title.  After the final whistle, Eselenkei vowed to train hard in order to bring regain the football title they won in the first edition of the games. Eco-Sys Action for the second year running sponsored the Lion Guardian games and provided balls with Lion Guardian logos and funds for the event. The games were also graced by Mr. Don Young, a prominent member of the Lion Guardian Program Board of Directors.

Don Young shaking hands with Kamunu during the award ceremony

Thank you so much to all of the Lion Guardian fans (Kate, Anna, Jacqueline, Brenton, Sylvia, Patti, Eugene, Marianne and our many BIGCATS texters), who have given us their support so that we could hold the Second Annual Lion Guardian Games.

In addition to their support, we have received a generous donation from Eco-Sys Action.  Not only did they contribute an additional $1,000 to the games, but they also designed and donated several Lion Footballs!  These are going to be the best Lion Guardian Games ever!!!

The customized Lion Guardians Games Foot(soccer)ball

Many of you will remember that last year we held the first ever Lion Guardian Games! We even made a reel of the highlights! Well it’s time to get excited! We are gearing up for the second Lion Guardian Games!!

As you may know we have Lion Guardians monitoring and conserving lions on three Group Ranches across the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem – Mbirikani , Eselenkei and Olgulului Group Ranches. These ranches combined are about 4,000km², and hold key habitats for the last remaining lions of southern Kenya. This Lion Guardian Games involve the coming together of all 30 Guardians from the three ranches, to meet and compete and celebrate their work together.

The 2010 Lion Guardian Games

The Lion Guardians are all Maasai warriors, working in the own communities to monitor their lions and reduce any conflicts between the local people (and their livestock) and carnivores. The guys work extremely hard 6 days a week, and thanks to YOUR donations they are getting their wages paid, and tracking equipment, GPS units and supplies bought for their work

The Games involve competitions in all the skills of a Maasai warrior – spear throwing, singing, stick throwing, jumping, and even football (soccer)! Awards and are given out to the Lion Guardians who have performed well in their different lion conservation and monitoring duties over the year. The Lion Guardians had so much fun at last year’s games, that they have been eagerly awaiting the rematch. Now that they are familiar with the format, they have spent the year practicing practicing practicing! So it is going to be great fun!!

The teams discussing strategy

So now we need your help! We need $1,000 to make the Lion Guardian Games happen. This will be spent on prizes, food, transport, and accommodation for 30 Guardians . Please help us by making a donation; our suggested donation is $50, but if you would prefer to make a donation of a different amount, please do!

We are delighted that Kate Nicholls has already donated $100, and started the climb up our Lion Guardian Games thermometer! Thank you so much!

Let’s try and spread the word about the Lion Guardians Games and Awards, and get to the top as soon as we can!

The Lion Guardians having their morning chai

Lenkai takes a practice shot

The dramatic walk to the start of the games.

Everyone looks on with bated breath.......Will this be the winning throw?