It’s a duel that has played out for generations: human versus lion.

Except this time, there is a third player: a thermal drone.

Orbili is a remote settlement at the base of the Chyulu Hills and has always been a hotspot for conflict. For the Maasai communities living here, livestock is their primary source of wealth, so the loss of even a single cow, sheep, or goat has a significant financial and emotional impact.

A Big Life mobile unit had been working closely with Lion Guardians to keep the lioness out of the settlement, but it was proving impossible in the dark. When they went one way, she went the other.

Our drone unit was called in to assist, and the results were immediate. With the ability to spot her in the dark from above, it took just two flights to chase this lioness away. Her cubs have since grown enough that she has rejoined her pride and is no longer a threat to the community at Orbili.

Our thermal drones have completely revolutionized our ability to safely respond to incidents and have become an indispensable part of our operations. In the hands of our skilled pilots, they are proving to be game changers in keeping the peace between people and wildlife.

📹: Joshua Clay