In the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara, one lion’s story has become the stuff of legend. Known as Notch, this powerful male lion rose to fame for leading one of Africa’s most formidable coalitions—a pride of five sons that dominated the savannah for nearly a decade.
Notch first appeared in 2003 alongside his mate, and by 2004, the duo had successfully taken over the renowned Marsh Pride. Their reign, however, was tragically cut short in 2005 when rival males killed Notch’s partner. Left with eight surviving cubs—five males and three females—Notch held onto the territory alone until 2007, when three new males forced him out.
Determined to reclaim dominance, Notch left with his five young sons—Notch II, Long, Ron, Caesar, and Grimace. By 2008, the coalition was feared across the Mara, known for their unmatched unity and strength. In 2010, tragedy struck when Long disappeared, but the remaining lions continued their fierce expansion.
In 2013, while patrolling his territory, Notch vanished and was never seen again. That same year, Grimace disappeared while seeking new mates. Despite these losses, Ron, Caesar, and Notch II held their ground, fending off rivals and maintaining their father’s legacy.
By 2016, Ron fell to the Sand River males, and in 2017, Caesar succumbed to an infection that left him unable to hunt. The last surviving son, Notch II, formed a new coalition with his own offspring, Spear Boy. Now 15 years old, Notch II continues to roam the Mara, carrying his father’s bloodline forward.
The story of Notch and his sons remains a testament to survival, family bonds, and dominance in the wild—an epic saga etched forever in Masai Mara’s history.
