From Five to Two: The Famous Cheetah Coalition of the Maasai Mara
It’s up to each of us to use the power we have as wildlife photographers to act with great care for the animals that gift us with their presence. These are just about photos to us; but to a wild animal, every single moment is about survival.
―Melissa Groo, Wildlife Photographer
One of the Tatu Bora – June 2022
The Famous Five are reduced to two. Lebo, of the celebrated Maasai Mara cheetah coalition died last week. The cause of his death is unknown, likely he was killed by lions. Known as the Tano Bora (The Magnificent Five in Maa), they were a partnership of 5 male cheetahs who patrolled the Maasai Mara and nearby conservancies for over 5 years. What made the “Fast Five” famous was their unique bond. Most male cheetahs live a solitary life or bond with one other male.
Tano Bora on patrol - #5 was outside the frame
Five cheetahs working together made them a force to be reckoned with. I first encountered this sleek stealth squad in January 2020. After marking their territory on a tree, the group settled down for a nap – sleeping cats didn’t make for much of a photo op.
The Tano Bora worked as a well-oiled team taking down large animals like gnus and topi antelopes. Netflix’s first episode of Night on Earth introduced them to the world overturning the belief that cheetahs only hunted during the day. Each male was given a name: Olpadan (‘Great Shooter’ in Maa), Olarishani (‘Judge’ in Maa), Leboo (‘The one who is always within a group’ in Maa), Winda (‘Hunter’ in Kiswahili), and Olonoyok (‘The one who puts efforts to achieve better results’ in Maa).
In 2021 Olpadan died. David Kupai Senchrua and I spotted the remaining 4 at the end of the day on a game drive in October 2021. The gazelles sensed a nearby threat and were on high alert.
The gazelles and topi sense danger lurking on the savannah.
Cheetahs carefully stalk their prey until they are within sprinting distance. These sleek cats are the fastest animal on land capable of reaching 112 kms or 70 mph over a short distance. Their long tails act like rudders allowing them to turn on a dime during a chase. Even though they are skilled hunters, cheetahs often lose their kill to thieving lions and hyenas. For this reason, they don’t wait to begin a feast.
Three of the four cheetahs keep a low profile waiting for “the right moment” to initiate an ambush.
In early 2022, Olarishani was killed and then there were three – the Tatu Bora (Magnificent Three). I couldn’t believe our good fortune a few weeks ago when we met up with the Tatu Bora on a game drive from the Naboisho airstrip to our lodge. I told my group, “Welcome to Kenya, the most famous cheetahs in the world are here to greet you!”
The Tatu Bora stalking through the grass, eyes on the prize.
The tension was palpable as the three spotted cats slunk forward towards an impala who in turn had his eyes glued on the impending threat. Like the impala, I was frozen, my finger poised above the shutter. We waited for action for an hour – my arm was aching! Finally, the impala stamped his foot, snorted his indignation and walked away without incident. The cheetahs seemed to lose interest, we all moved on. Later that afternoon we found the threesome gorging on a gazelle that was not so lucky.
The Circle of Life is ever present on the African savannah. Cheetahs are beautiful animals and an essential link in the ecosystem. These particular cats have been amazing ambassadors for their species. Their unique partnership attracted photographers from all over the world. Stunning images of the Tano Bora taught the world about cheetah behaviour and their vulnerability to habitat loss and climate change. There may only be two left in this famous coalition, but their story lives on in pictures and film. I wonder if the remaining two will hook up with other male cheetahs and teach them about the power of working together.
Here's a video clip of the Tatu Bora moving through the bush. Cheetahs have great camouflage – can you find all three?
Save the date!
I’m preparing for my official book launch of The Wisdom of Elephants on Sept. 17th at Strand Fine Art Gallery in London ON. I hope to see you there!