Morani, a 14-year-old lion, has claimed the title of the oldest known lion in Kenya’s renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.

His brother Scarface’s passing earlier in the year paved the way for Morani to take the spotlight.

Professional wildlife photographer Leighton Lum, hailing from Hawaii, had the privilege of capturing the majestic aura of this aging feline during a photography workshop.

Nestled within the vast savannahs of the  Maasai Mara, Morani is a testament to resilience amidst the wilderness, surrounded by diverse wildlife, including cheetahs, zebras, and fellow lions.

Lum expressed his excitement in photographing Morani, whose weathered yet regal demeanor left a lasting impression.

He remarked, “Just by looking at his face, you can tell this guy has been through a lot. He went from a young stud leader of a pride, a king, to a retired old man who still fights for survival in the Mara.”

Morani’s solitary existence marks a natural progression within lion dynamics as younger and stronger males assert dominance over pride.

Lum noted, “He is a lone male who has been pushed out of the pride by younger, stronger males, which is a natural process in lions as the strongest males will control the pride.”

Despite the perception of lethargy often associated with adult male lions, Morani’s presence defies expectations.

Lum shared, “Generally, adult male lions are naturally lazy and can sleep for 20 hours a day! We spotted him in the morning, then went back at the very end of the day only to find him no more than 15ft from where we left him.”

Morani’s captivating spirit and enduring presence serve as a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of life in the wild.