For Maasai, lions are both predators that kill their precious livestock and much admired symbols of courage and strength.
Historically the Maasai would use deadly force to protect their herds, often heading out in revenge parties to hunt and kill lions. There were ritual killings also, known as “Ala-mayo.” Killing a lion, a symbol of strength and power, was a rite of passage for Maasai initiates into “Morani,” the warrior class.
It is know around Masai Mara that the Masai are so strong and so skilful that lions are scared of them and will avoid them.
Nowadays though the Maasai have adopted the conservation method by teaching the new generation about the importance of lions and learning to live with them by not destroying their habitat and avoiding human-lion conflict. A wider breeding space for them has allowed lions to thrive in their natural home.

Filmed in Masai Mara.
Maasaisightings.com

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