The Lions of the Triangle: An Update
Angama Mara
The Bila Shaka boys in the Mara Triangle.
Fate unknown
Doa
Also known as The Spotted Eye · The Handsome Bila Shaka
2014 – unknown
Born in Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Masai Mara, Kenya
Doa was one of the six Bila Shaka brothers of Kenya’s Masai Mara. His name is Swahili for “spot”, for a mark by his left eye. Guides in the Mara Triangle described him as having classic good looks and an especially fine mane, and he was one of their favourites.
The Bila Shaka Boys, also called the Six Pack, were six brothers born in 2014 in the Moniko Pride of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, north-east of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, sired by the famous males Lolparpit and Olbarnoti. Around 2018, still young, they began taking over from the ageing Four Musketeers. Named after the Bila Shaka lugga, a watercourse at the heart of the Marsh Pride’s land, they went on to dominate the Marsh, Topi, Paradise and Rekero prides, and spent time in the Mara Triangle.
By March 2020 Doa had split from his brothers to stay with the Topi Pride. His later fate has not been clearly recorded; some fans say he vanished around 2022.
6Brothers
2020Left his brothers
1Pride he chose: Topi
2014Born
Profile
Identity
- Name
- DoaThe name he is best known by
- Nicknames
- Information not available
- Origin of the name
- Swahili for “spot”, for the mark by his left eye
- Sex
- Male
- Distinguishing features
- A spot by the left eye; a fine, full mane
- Weight
- Information not availableFor reference, adult male lions usually weigh 150–260 kg
Birth & Family
- Born
- 2014
- Birthplace
- Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Masai Mara, Kenya
- Birth pride
- Moniko Pride
- Father
- Lolparpit or OlbarnotiThe two males sired the litter together
- Mother
- Information not availableA Moniko Pride lioness; not identified
- Siblings
- Baba Yao, Doa, Chongo, Kiok, Kibogoyo and Koshoke
Reign
- Pride king
- Yes; later stayed with the Topi Pride on his own
- Prides ruled
- Marsh, Topi, Paradise and Rekero prides, at different timesRuled with his brothers
- Pride size
- Information not available
- Reign
- About 2–4 years with his brothers
- Ruled with
- His Bila Shaka brothers
- Coalition
- The Bila Shaka Boys
- Home range
- Masai Mara National Reserve and the Mara Triangle, KenyaFrom the Musiara Marsh to Paradise Plains and the Mara River
- Territory size
- Information not available
Death
- Died
- Information not availableNot recorded; reportedly vanished around 2022
- Age at death
- Information not available
- Cause of death
- Information not available
- Place of death
- Information not available
- Burial
- Information not available
Names & Meanings
DoaName
Swahili for “spot”, for the mark by his left eye.
Family & Lineage
Father (with Olbarnoti)LolparpitOne of the two famous males who sired the six brothers. Which of the two fathered which brother is not known.View record →Father (with Lolparpit)OlbarnotiThe second sire of the coalition.View record →
Moniko Pride lionessMotherNot individually identified.
The Spotted EyeDoa2014 – unknown
Brother · once dominantBaba YaoDisappeared after a fight with the Salas males, 2019 – 2020.View record →Brother · one-eyedChongoMissing since 2026.View record →BrotherKiokStill living in 2026.View record →BrotherKibogoyoStill living in 2026, recovering from injuries.View record →BrotherKoshokeDisappeared in September 2025.View record →OffspringCubs of the coalitionFathered with his brothers in the Marsh, Topi, Paradise and Rekero prides. In a coalition, which male fathered which cub is usually unknown.
Life Story
- 2014
Born in the Moniko Pride, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, to the males Lolparpit and Olbarnoti.
- c. 2018
As young adults, the six brothers began pushing out the ageing Four Musketeers and took over the Marsh Pride area around Bila Shaka.
- c. 2020 – 2021
Regularly photographed in the Mara Triangle, where guides admired his looks.
- March 2020
Separated from his brothers to remain with the Topi Pride.
- c. 2022
Reportedly vanished; not confirmed.
Legend & Truth
Left by choice
Doa is the only one of the six known to have left the coalition voluntarily, choosing to stay with one pride rather than roam with his brothers.
Photographs
Photograph coming soon
Photograph coming soon
Photograph coming soon
Film
The film of The Spotted Eye’s life is coming soon
Animation
An animated story of The Spotted Eye’s life is coming soon
Documentaries & Features
Sources
- WildFact forum — Bila Shaka coalition and the meanings of their names
- Angama — This Week at Angama #200
- Angama — The Lions of the Triangle: An Update
- Governors’ Camp — Masai Mara wildlife, December 2024
- Governors’ Camp — Masai Mara wildlife, January 2025
- Wild Guide — Bila Shaka Boys
- Big Cat Wiki — 6-Pack/Bila-Shaka coalition
Where sources disagree, the most widely reported figure is shown, with other reports noted beneath it.