Living

Otipo

Also known as M2 · The Imposing Topi Boy

c. 2020/21 – present

Born in Topi Plains, Masai Mara, Kenya

Otipo, known to guides as M2, is one of the seven Topi Boys of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Fans describe him as one of the most imposing and recognisable members of the coalition. One account dates his birth to September 2021, to the lioness Moto.

The Topi Boys are seven young males born around 2020–2021, during the Covid years, to lionesses of the Topi Pride on the Topi Plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Their fathers were the Sala’s males, Olepolos, Osapuk and Orkitok. In December 2024 the seven pushed the ageing Bila Shaka brothers out of the Musiara Marsh and took over the famous Marsh Pride, and they have since spread to the Paradise Pride and pressed into the Mara Triangle. Guides number them M1 to M7: Ukingo, Otipo, Moja Moja, Kiongozi (Kio), Vuli, Nzuri and Djodjo.

In January 2026, when his brother Vuli found an opening at Paradise Plains, Otipo was among the four brothers repeatedly seen there mating with the Paradise Pride’s younger females.

Member of the coalition The Topi Boys View the coalition
7Brothers
2024Took the Marsh Pride
~5Age in 2026
2Prides

Profile

Identity

Name
OtipoThe name he is best known by
Nicknames
M2
Origin of the name
Information not availableMeaning not found
Sex
Male
Distinguishing features
Large and imposing
Weight
Information not availableFor reference, adult male lions usually weigh 150–260 kg

Birth & Family

Born
c. 2020 – 2021
Birthplace
Topi Plains, Masai Mara, Kenya
Birth pride
Topi Pride
Father
Osapuk or OlepolosSources differ
Mother
Information not availableA Topi Pride lioness
Siblings
Ukingo, Otipo, Moja Moja, Kio, Vuli, Nzuri and Djodjo (brothers and half-brothers)

Reign

Pride king
Yes, a pride male of the Topi Boys
Prides ruled
Marsh Pride (from December 2024); Paradise Pride (from early 2026)
Pride size
Information not available
Reign
About 2 years so far (December 2024 – present)
Ruled with
His Topi brothers
Coalition
The Topi Boys
Home range
The Musiara Marsh, Topi Plains and Paradise Plains, Masai Mara, Kenya
Territory size
Information not available

Death

Died
Information not availableStill living as of 2026
Age at death
Information not availableAbout 5–6 in 2026
Cause of death
Information not available
Place of death
Information not available
Burial
Information not available

Names & Meanings

OtipoName

The meaning was not found in the sources used.

M2Designation

His number among the seven.

Family & Lineage

Father (reported)Osapuk or OlepolosOne of the Sala’s males. Paternity is based on guides’ and fans’ identification; accounts differ.
Topi Pride lionessMotherNot always identified.
M2Otipoc. 2020/21 –
M1 · brotherUkingoLong the leading male.View record →M3 · brotherMoja MojaCollared in 2025.View record →M4 · brotherKioKiongozi, “leader”.View record →M5 · brotherVuliOften pushed out by his brothers.View record →M6 · brotherNzuriFamous for his mane.View record →M7 · brotherDjodjoOne of the largest.View record →
OffspringCubsCubs of the Marsh and Paradise prides born since 2025 are thought to be the coalition’s.

Life Story

  1. c. 2020 – 2021

    Born in the Topi Pride on the Topi Plains, a son of one of the Sala’s males.

  2. December 2024

    With his six brothers, drove the Bila Shaka males out of the Marsh and took the Marsh Pride.

  3. January 2026

    Mated with Paradise Pride lionesses at Paradise Plains.

Legend & Truth

Which father?

One account says Osapuk, another Olepolos.

Photographs

Photograph coming soon
Photograph coming soon
Photograph coming soon

More photographs

Film

The film of M2’s life is coming soon

Animation

An animated story of M2’s life is coming soon

Sources

Where sources disagree, the most widely reported figure is shown, with other reports noted beneath it.

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