https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/1m8wfpt/notch_and_his_sons_crossing_the_mara_river_to/June 12, 2025
Notch and His Army of Sons Crossing the Mara River to Reclaim Their Territory
The legendary lion Notch and his five sons—Notch II, Long, Ron, Caesar, and Grimace—formed the most iconic coalition in Africa from 2008 to mid-2017.
Notch was first seen in the Masai Mara in 2003 with his partner. By 2004, they had taken over the famous Marsh Pride. Sadly, their rule was cut short in 2005 when his partner was killed by two rival males. Together, they had several cubs—eight survived: five males and three females. For two years, Notch held the territory alone. In 2007, three new males overthrew him, and he left with his five young sons, then just two and a half years old.
Tragedy struck in 2010 when Long disappeared in the Mara Triangle. Despite the loss, the coalition thrived. In 2013, Notch vanished while patrolling, and soon after, Grimace disappeared while seeking new mates in enemy territory. The remaining brothers remained strong. In 2016, Ron went missing—later confirmed to have been killed by the Sand River males.
By 2017, Caesar developed a limp from an infection and was last seen lifeless by the Mara River. Notch II carried on, forming a new coalition with his son, Spear Boy. Now about 15 years old, Notch II still lives alongside his son. Their bloodline lives on, and their legacy remains etched in the history of the Masai Mara.
