03/04/2025
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE TANO BORA: THE GREATEST CHEETAH COALITION EVER SEEN
In the vast plains of the Maasai Mara, a legendary brotherhood was born—the Tano Bora, meaning The Magnificent Five in Swahili. This coalition of five male cheetahs was unlike anything seen before. While cheetahs are usually solitary or form small groups, these five defied the norm, working together to dominate their territory, take down large prey like wildebeest, and create one of the most remarkable survival stories in the wild.
THE FIVE KINGS OF THE MARA
Each member had a name and a role within the group:
▪️Olpadan (“Great Shooter”) – The original leader, bold and powerful.
▪️Olarishani (“The Judge”) – A peacemaker, keeping the group united.
▪️Leboo (“The One Who Is Always Within a Group”) – Known for his sociable nature.
▪️Winda (“The Hunter”) – Skilled in tracking and hunting.
▪️Olonyok (“The One Who Puts Efforts to Achieve Better Results”) – Fiercely independent, never giving up.
Together, they ruled the Mara, hunting with precision and taking down prey much larger than a single cheetah could handle. Wildlife enthusiasts from around the world followed their journey, amazed by their teamwork and strength.
FORMATION AND DYNAMICS OF THE COALITION
The Tano Bora coalition was unique not only because of its size but also due to its composition. Typically, male cheetahs form coalitions with their siblings.
However, Tano Bora consisted of two pairs of brothers and one unrelated male:
▪️Olpadan was a lone male who joined the coalition after separating from his sister, Siligi, in November 2016.
▪️Olarishani and Olonyok were brothers.
▪️Winda and Leboo were also brothers.
This unusual alliance provided them with significant advantages, such as holding better territories, accessing favorable habitats and prey, and defending against rivals.
LEADERSHIP STRUGGLES AND CHANGES
Initially, Olpadan established himself as the dominant male, leading hunts and making decisions for the group. However, his leadership was marked by aggression, particularly towards Olonyok. Olarishani often intervened to maintain peace within the coalition.
In early 2019, dynamics shifted when Winda and Leboo began challenging Olpadan’s authority, leading to physical confrontations. Olpadan sustained serious injuries, resulting in a loss of his dominant status. Subsequently, Olarishani and Winda assumed leadership roles within the coalition.
A COALITION TORN APART
Nature is unforgiving, and one by one, the mighty five began to fall:
✔️Olpadan left the group and was later found dead on January 26, 2022, with injuries resembling cheetah bites.
✔️Olarishani passed away on February 13, 2022, succumbing to severe injuries.
✔️Leboo was found lifeless near the Talek River in July 2022, likely killed by a lion.
This left Winda and Olonyok as the last two survivors. They continued hunting together, demonstrating resilience despite the challenges.
THE FINAL BLOW: WINDA’S TRAGIC END
On March 15, 2025, tragedy struck again. Winda suffered a broken leg, a devastating injury for a predator that relies on speed. Despite efforts from conservationists to save him, he could not survive. The cheetah world mourned the loss of another legend.
OLONYOK: THE LAST OF THE TANO
Now, only Olonyok remains, the last warrior of the once-mighty coalition. His future is uncertain—male cheetahs rely on partnerships for survival, and being alone makes him vulnerable. Will he find a new coalition, or will he defy the odds as a lone survivor?
The Tano Bora’s story is a poignant reminder of the beauty and brutality of nature. Their legacy will live on as one of the greatest wildlife stories ever witnessed.
🌿 Rest in power, Tano Bora 🐆🐆. 🌿
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