African Lion

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Mapogo coalition originated from Mala Mala from what was called the "Eyrefield Pride" (Sparta Pride) and moved into the Western Sector in 2006. The five related brothers were sired by a similar mega pride coalition of five male lions. The oldest Mapogo male, Makulu, is believed to be the paternal half-brother to the other five lions. In their quest to dominate the area, the six lions killed approximately 40 other lions which included many cubs, females, and rival adult males. The Mapogos first pride clash was in 2006, when they entered the northern Sabi Sand, ruled by four dominant males. Immediately upon arrival, the Mapogos managed to kill one of the males, and the remaining three were driven off. With the Ottawa pride's male lion driven off, three lionesses and 11 cubs remained. The six Mapogos quickly found and killed all 11 Ottawa cubs, with reports of Mr. T even eating some of the cubs, despite cannibalistic behavior in lions being uncommon. With all competition eliminated, the Mapogos had successfully controlled eight prides.

In Their Own Story

In 2008, the coalition split into 2 smaller coalitions with Kinky Tail and Mr. T moving out to the coalition's eastern territory and Makulu, Rasta, Dreadlocks and Pretty Boy staying in the west. In June 2010, a coalition of five male lions named the Majingilanes entered Mapogo territory. Sensing the intrusion, Kinky Tail and Mr. T isolated the oldest Majingilane male, who had been feeding on a Buffalo Carcass. Mr. T bit down on the male's neck, Kinky Tail ripped apart the male's groin area. Eventually Kinky Tail and Mr. T managed to break the 5th Majingilane lion's rear 2 legs and pelvis, leaving him mortally wounded. Later that same night, the four remaining Majingilane lions caught Kinky Tail alone. They bit and ripped apart Kinky Tail, snapping his spine, dislocating or breaking 3 legs, and breaking his orbital socket. Mr. T arrived and attempted to rescue him but was outnumbered and forced to flee. The four lions started eating most of Kinky Tail's hind legs and his entire tail. It took them 20 minutes before he was seen taking his last breath while being eaten alive. After his brother's death, Mr. T headed West to return to the rest of the old coalition. Field guides were afraid the 4 would chase him off and kill him, but instead they welcomed him back. However, soon after being accepted back, Mr. T began to track down, massacre, and eat 3 of his brothers' cubs. Around the end of November 2010, Dreadlocks left the game reserve and was shot by locals shortly after, cutting the Mapogos down to just 3 members: Makulu (12), Pretty Boy (10) and Mr. T (9). On March 16, 2012, a new rival coalition called the Selatis arrived. They singled out and attacked Mr. T. He suffered many wounds and a large bite taken into his spine that paralyzed his back legs. The Selatis left the crippled Mr. T to die by the road. The last remaining Mapogos, Makulu and Pretty Boy, had to leave their territory to the Selatis, fought a coalition of two Kruger males (Freddy and Limper) and were driven off their territory. One of the Kruger males (Limper) later died due to injuries from Makulu. They were sighted in 2012 side by side, entering the Kruger National Park through the gate.

Reader's Guide

The Mapogo coalition was a band of male South African lions that controlled the Sabi Sand region in Kruger National Park between 2006 and 2012. At its peak, the coalition consisted of six males: the leader Makulu (also spelled as Makhulu), Pretty Boy, Rasta, Dreadlocks, Kinky Tail and Mr. T. The coalition became infamous for their sheer power and strength in taking over and dominating an area of approximately 70,000 ha (170,000 acres). It is believed the Mapogos killed in excess of 40 lions and cubs in a little over a year. The Mapogo lions followed a recent trend in the Sabi Sand Reserve of mega pride male lion coalitions. Whilst living among themselves, the lions learned to be successful hunters. As they grew in size and experience, they were able to take down large prey such as hippos, young rhinos, and even giraffes and on one occasion a fully grown elephant. According to Dave Salmoni, successfully taking down cape buffalo was their "key to success". During the buffalo hunts, Kinky Tail (also called Shaka) and Mr. T (also called Mohawk and laterly SaTan) were often observed being more aggressive in bringing down the buffalo.

Did You Know?

• The Mapogo coalition was named after a brutal security company, "Mapogo A Mathamaga Security"; "Mapogo" means "vigilantes" or is a Zulu word meaning "rogues".
• It is believed the Mapogos killed in excess of 40 lions and cubs in a little over a year.
• Mr. T was reported to have eaten some of the Ottawa cubs, despite cannibalistic behavior in lions being uncommon.
• Kinky Tail and Mr. T managed to break the rear 2 legs and pelvis of a Majingilane male, leaving him immobilized and mortally wounded.
• After being welcomed back by his brothers, Mr. T tracked down, massacred, and ate 3 of his brothers' cubs.