TITLE: Imperial

His name was Olobor, he was the leader of the Black Rock Boys coalition that ruled over the Maji ya Fisi and Rongai prides in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The strongest of the originally five males, he was domineering, maybe even unusually violent, and always seeking to expand his and his brothers’ empire. While we sometimes have conflicted feelings about the savage side of nature, starkly evident in him, in his own way he was how a male lion has to be, how he should be. Until he was killed by man.

In late January of 2024, herders illegally grazing their cattle in the Maasai Mara National Reserve ended his life. He was at the height of his power, yet powerless before us. We as a species have it in our hands to create a world for all life on earth, to make sure future generations can witness every facet of its wild beauty. This is our power, and therefore our responsibility.

AUTHOR: Fabian Meckl (Germany)