Protecting Lions

As the year draws to a close, we are delighted to share the progress made through our lion conservation programmes.

Your support has enabled our teams and community partners to protect lions, improve coexistence and strengthen the resilience of people living alongside wildlife. None of this work would be possible without the steady commitment of our GlobalGiving donors.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Our field partners in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area have continued to monitor lions closely, with eight active GPS collars providing essential early warning alerts to reduce conflict between lions and pastoralist communities. These collars help families protect their livestock and allow rangers to understand lion movement patterns in real time. Thanks to your generosity, the team also completed a comprehensive lion population survey this year. The data is currently being analysed and will guide conservation planning throughout 2026 and beyond.

The work has not been without challenges. Two GPS collars were lost, and delays in processing research and vehicle permits slowed progress. However, the dedication of our Lion Guardians, known locally as the Ilchokuti, has remained unwavering. Over the past few months they have treated 492 injured livestock, reinforced vulnerable bomas and successfully returned 85 percent of lost animals to their owners. Their efforts reduce retaliation against lions and help families recover more quickly from livestock losses.

We are also delighted to share new developments from the lion population itself. A female named Nemambai was recently fitted with a GPS collar, adding an important individual to the monitoring network. A male lion, Larmasi A, who travelled all the way from the Serengeti, has been observed mating with crater lions, a sign of healthy dispersal and potential genetic exchange.

Community Engagement and Long-Term Coexistence

Your support reaches far beyond field monitoring. This year, our partners hosted a youth festival, six elders and warriors’ meetings and a three-day workshop on animal health and entrepreneurship. These gatherings encourage dialogue, celebrate cultural relationships with wildlife and provide practical skills that diversify livelihoods. When communities feel heard and empowered, coexistence becomes not only possible but sustainable.

Musekese - Zambia

A Remarkable Rescue: A Snared Lion Freed in Time

One of the most powerful moments of the year came when a lion was discovered caught in a snare set by bushmeat poachers. Because of the wide reach of our partner’s monitoring network and the real time location data provided by GPS collars, the team was notified quickly and mobilised an immediate response. The lion was located without delay, freed from the snare and assessed by a veterinarian. Thankfully, the injuries were minor and the animal recovered fully. This success story demonstrates exactly why continuous monitoring and swift intervention save lives.

Emerging Threats: Road Collisions

While the lion population remains stable, the wider ecosystem faces growing threats from road collisions. Recent reports recorded the deaths of one cheetah and three African painted dogs, highlighting the dangers of increasing vehicle traffic. These losses serve as a stark reminder that protecting lions also means addressing the broader environmental pressures that shape their landscape. Our project partners are working with authorities to explore mitigation measures and raise awareness among road users.

Looking Ahead

Thanks to your commitment, lions in both Tanzania and Zambia are safer and communities feel more supported. The year has brought moments of triumph and challenge, but the combined efforts of conservation teams, local people and supporters like you continue to drive meaningful change.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. With your continued support, we will keep strengthening coexistence, deepening community partnerships and ensuring that lions and people can thrive side by side.