[Bro. Pete] Are there any lions in this part of the Rift Valley?
[Maasai] No. There used to be. But the Maasai moran (warriors) have chased them off. The lions disturb our cows. Now you must go a long distance to fight a lion.
[Bro. Pete] What about other wild animals? I've seen quite a few around on the plains.
[Maasai] Yes. We have many animals. Zebras. Giraffes. Hyenas. Buffalo. Leopards. Lots of wild animals.
[Bro. Pete] So there are still leopards here. Are they a problem to people?
[Maasai] No. It's safe to walk around in the daytime - even our children are safe. But at night we must bring our animals into the corrals because the leopards come. Sometimes the leopard will leap over the fence around our home, grab a goat in its mouth, and jump out while carrying the animal. It doesn't happen often, but it does occur. One Masai Warrior: I'm angry with my dogs. A leopard came to my home last night. But my dogs didn't bark! The leopard killed two of my goats. So I'm not taking any bones home for the dogs now. They will be hungry for a while because they didn't do their job!
[Bro. Pete] Tell me about the eremet (Maasai spear) you carry. It's made of iron. It looks much shorter than I expected, perhaps only 4-1/2 feet long. If you jab a lion with this spear, won't you be in the reach of his claws?
[Maasai] You must throw the spear at the lion. But you must make a good shot. You cannot afford a mistake. If you miss, the spear is gone. Therefore, you must hold your ground until the lion is almost on top of you.
[Bro. Pete] What if you miss with the spear, then what?
[Maasai] Then a warrior must use his simi (Masai short sword, blade is 12-15 inches long). The simi is used for close-in fighting.
[Bro. Pete] It must be a vicious fight. You are well within the lion's grasp if you are using the simi.
[Maasai] Yes. The lion hooks you with his paws and pulls you in. The lion's claws will dig into a man's flesh. For animals it is different. The animals' flesh will tear away and then they can escape. But a man's flesh does not tear. The lion's claws hold fast and the lion pulls you in.
[Bro. Pete] Are some lions cowardly?
[Maasai] Some lions are brave, some are cowardly. Usually the big lions are the brave ones. They will fight. But even the cowardly lions will not run for long.
[Bro. Pete] How can you tell a brave lion from a cowardly one?
[Maasai] You cannot tell from his eyes or his body posture. You must test the lion's heart. You must challenge him. Then you will know. A brave lion will fight. A cowardly lion will run. But not forever. Once he discovers you are chasing him, he will make a stand and fight.
[Bro. Pete] What should you do if you encounter a lion in Africa?
[Maasai] Show no fear. Never run from a lion! If you run, the lion will tear you to pieces. You must be brave and face the lion. It's your best chance. Lions can be driven off.
They are not invincible.
Special Note from Bro. Pete, Missions Hotline:
I do not support animal hunting. In fact the Missions Hotline is a strong supporter of environmental conservation. We are working with the Masai to develop alternate tests of courage for the young men. These notes are included because they offer insight into the traditional culture of the Masai. This culture is slowly ebbing away with the advance of modern civilization. However, the Missions Hotline does not rob people of their heritage. Quite the opposite. We support people's cultures and do our best to uphold them (within the limits of Godly principles).
The advice from the Maasai warriors is good. Never run from a lion. But obviously it's a risky situation. If you don't run - then what do you do? The answer, from Kenya's park rangers, is to back off gradually while facing the lion. Hopefully this is a choice you will never have to make. If you visit the National Parks of Kenya, please follow the rules. This means you stay inside your vehicle at all times. If you want to see Africa on foot, you can arrange special excursions with Park Rangers. Or come with me and the Maasai on one of the Missions Hotline tours of the Rift Valley. You will be safe in the group and you'll have the chance to participate in traditional skills (wildlife observation, animal tracking, etc.).
