Scarface Lion: The Legend of the Masai Mara
Have you ever heard of Scarface Lion? Scarface was a formidable African lion that lived in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. He was known for his thick mane, which covered the majority of his face, and a scar on his face, which gave him his name.
Scarface had a reputation for being a fierce and powerful lion, and he was respected by both his own pride as well as other lion prides in the area. He was a Masai lion, and their population is threatened due to habitat loss, poaching, and other human factors. Scarface was a symbol of strength and hope for the Masai lions, and his legacy lives on.
Book Your Safari to Masai Mara Game Reserve with Us
Many people still come from all over the world to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve and catch a glimpse of Scarface’s descendants. If you would like to visit the reserve, reach us at james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com to book your safari.
We are also available through phone/WhatsApp at +254-748-258-888.
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Birth of the Scarface in Masai Mara
Scarface Lion was born in Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Africa in 2007. He was a majestic Masai lion and was known for his large majestic mane and his distinct black fur that covers his face.
Scarface was known to roam around the reserve with a pride of lionesses and cubs (Marsh Pride), which made him one of the most beloved lions in the reserve. He was also known to be quite a hefty lion, weighing around 400 pounds.
Living in the Masai Mara National Reserve provided Scarface with plenty of prey and a steady water source, making it an ideal home for his Marsh Pride. Scarface was able to enjoy the beauty of the African landscape and wildlife, which is why he was so beloved by the locals.
Death of Scarface in Maasai Mara
Scarface died on 11th June 2021 in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. He was one of the oldest wild lions and a well-known figure in the Masai Mara. He was thought to be around 13-14 years old when he died.
His death was caused by natural causes, likely due to old age, which is quite rare for a lion.
The Oldest Lion in the Kenyan Mara
Scarface was known to have lived longer than any other lion in Masai Mara National Reserve, making him the oldest lion in Kenya. Scarface was known to be a fierce hunter and protector of the Marsh Pride.
Scarface’s reign as king of the Masai Mara ended in May 2017 due to old age and infirmity. Scarface will be remembered fondly by the people of the Masai Mara National Reserve, as he was an incredible symbol of strength, courage, and leadership.
The Marsh Pride of the Masai Mara- Scarface Territory
Marsh Pride is the home of Scarface Lion, who made the headlines after taking over leadership of his pride in 2012 together with his brothers Sikio, Moran, and Hunter. He injured his right eye during this take over, hence the name Scarface.
About The Marsh Pride in the Masai Mara & Members
The Marsh Pride of lions was one of the most well-known prides in Africa. It was home to Scarface, and the longest features stars of Big Cat Week, Big Cat Diary, and Big Cat Live.
They lived in a territory called Musiara Marsh and they were the dominant pride in this area. Some of the original members of the Marsh pride included:
Blondie: He was the dominant male in the pride from around 1996 to 1997.
Red: She was the main and most accomplished hunter of the pride. Also known as “Mama Lugga”, due to her fierce nurturing skills, Red survived the 1998 Buffalo Attack but was sadly spared to death in 2010 for killing livestock.
Scar: Scar is perhaps the most remembered King of the Marsh Pride, who ruled from 1998 to 2000. He shared power with the not so impressive Scruffy and spent most of the time with Red and Bibi after the death of Scruffy. He was overthrown by Topi Plains Makes, but later made an appearance with his two sons in 2002.
Scruffy: The core ruler of the Marsh Pride between 1998 to 1999. He had a short mane and is remembered for having defended their cubs in 1998 Buffalo Attack while his core ruler hid in the bush. Scruffy, along with a George Pride lioness, was killed by Maasai herdsman in 1999 for attacking livestock.
Simba: He took control of the Marsh Pride from Scar in 2000 and was a member of the Topi Plains Males. His rule lasted for 3 years and was the main character of the Big Cat Week in 2003. During that week, he defended his pride from two invading males and survived a buffalo attack. He led the older females when the pride split but later disappeared when new challengers came.
Notch (Male): A recent star of the Big Cat Live and Big Cat Week, Notch ruled the Marsh Pride between 2004 to 2007. He overthrew Simba with his friend, who was killed by three other males at the end of 2004. Notch fend off the challengers and had an affair with Tamu. He was last seen ruling the Mara North territory with his 4 sons in 2008 during the Big Cat Live.
White Eye: Born in 1998, she was the elderly female in the pride, had a blind eye, and was among the first members of the Marsh Pride.. She is believed to have died in 2012, when she went missing.
Lispy: She had a scar under the jaw and was the other “blonde sister”. Lispy went missing and confirmed dead in 2012.
Khali: She was the longest member of the Marsh Pride and lived between 1988 and 2003. Khali is perhaps the original member of the pride.
Notch (Female): She was Khali’s younger sister and the original 4 members of the Marsh Pride. She gave birth to Blondie’s, Scar’s, and Simba’s cubs and was a top hunter. Notch was last seen in 2003 with Simba & Khali and has never been seen again.
Bump-Nose: She was among the original females of the pride and is remembered for protecting Scar’s cubs when the Topi Plains Males overthrew Scar in 2000. She took the cubs to Bila Shaka Lugga but didn’t succeed. She last appeared in 2002 and is believed to have been killed by the Maasai.
Mama Lugga (Original): She is the least known of all the original members of the pride and gave birth to Simba, Scar, and Blondie cubs. She last appeared in 2002 and met the same death as Scruffy and Bump-Nose.
Romeo and Clawed: They were members between 2007 to 2012 when they took over from Notch. They are assumed to have died in 2012 when the pride was taken by the Four Musketeers.
Bibi: One of the “blonde sisters” and the focus of the Big Cat Week in 2003. Bibi was thrown out of the pride with her two cubs during this week. She was later allowed back to the pride and later found dead from poisoning.
Siena: She was born in 2005 and is a member of the “graces” along with Joy and Charm. Joy and Siena were sisters but their mother is not specified. They died from poisoning.
Four Musketeers: They took power in 2012 and they are Morani, Scar (Scarface lion), Sikio, and Hunter. They overthrew Clawed and Romeo. Only Morani is still alive.
Charm: Her mother was Red. She vanished in 2018.
The Marsh Pride was the star of the series and never let the viewers down. Sadly, it was forced out of the territory due to conflict with the Maasai herders and relocated to the close area while some faced even death.
Member of the Big Cats in Masai Mara
Scarface Lion, like the Masai Lion, was a member of the big cats family and was found roaming at Masai Mara National Reserve before he died in 2021. Other members of the cats you can find during your Kenya’s wildlife safari include:
The Lion: The lion can be found in most of the national parks and reserves throughout Kenya. They typically weigh between 330 and 550 pounds, with males being larger than females. The lion is the head of the pride and hunts for food, while the lioness does most of the childcare and scavenging.
The Leopard: The leopard is a solitary hunter but can also be found in small groups around the national parks and reserves. They are by far the most agile of the big cats, with the ability to climb trees and jump from branch-to-branch. The leopard is a nocturnal hunter, so you’ll likely catch glimpses of them during the night.
The Cheetah: The cheetah is the fastest land mammal and can be found in the grasslands and savannahs of Kenya. They are designed for speed, with their slender frames and long legs helping them reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Unlike the other big cats, cheetahs hunt during the day and mostly feed on smaller animals such as antelope, gazelles and hares.
Member of the Big Five in Masai Mara
Scarface Lion, the king of Marsh Pride, was also a member of the Big Five in Masai Mara Kenya. The other members of the Big Five, beside the lions and leopards, you will see at Masai Mara during your safari include:
The Elephant: The elephant is the largest land mammal and can be found in multiple parts of Kenya, but primarily around Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. They use their trunks to dig for food and water, as well as to communicate with other elephants.
The Rhino: Rhinos can be found in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Solio Game Reserve, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. They are solitary animals but will form small herds of up to six individuals. These herbivores use their horns to defend themselves from predators.
The Buffalo: The African buffalo is also an herbivore and can be found in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo National Parks. They form large herds of hundreds to thousands of individuals and are able to quickly group together to defend themselves from predators.
FAQs About Scarface the Masai Lion
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Scar Lion, the Masai lion:
1. How Did Scar Get His Namesake Scar?
Scar, original Scar, was born with a distinctive white scar on his face, which is how he got his name. Scar, Scarface Lion, got his scar during the take over of the Marsh Pride.
2. Where Did Scarface the Masai Lion Live?
Scarface the Masai lion lived in the Marsh Pride territory near the Masai Mara National Reserve. Scarface was a member of the big cats family and was found roaming at Masai Mara National Reserve before he died in 2021.
3. What Was Scarface Lion’s Weight?
Scarface was a large lion and weighed about 375 – 425 pounds. Scarface, like the Masai Lion, was a member of the big cats family.
4. How Long Did Scarface the Masai Lion Live?
Scarface lived for more than 12 years, which is longer than the average lion lifespan. Scarface was born in 2009 and died at Masai Mara National Reserve in 2021.
5. What Was Scarface’s Role in the Marsh Pride?
Scarface Lion was the leader of the Marsh Pride, which he had taken over while still a cub. Scarface was a strong hunter and leader, keeping the Marsh Pride safe from enemy predators. He was also known for his intelligence and courage, often seen leading the pride on hunts. Scarface was respected by his pride and loved by all who witnessed him in the wild.
