You might belong to the Massai people group if . . .

. . . your mom built your loaf-shaped house (Inkajijik) out of mud, sticks, grass, cow urine, and cow dung.

. . . your dad is a warrior whose job is to keep your community (kraal) safe.

. . . your big brother’s job is herding livestock.

. . . your dad helped build a huge acacia thorn fence around your kraal.

. . . your neighbors drink cow’s blood to celebrate big events.

. . . milk and meat is what’s for dinner.

. . . when you grow up, you’ll keep your wealth as a herd of cattle instead of in a checking account.

The tribal Maasai people live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Unlike many other peoples, their customs look almost exactly the same as they did hundreds of years ago. But one custom is changing: lion hunters are becoming lion rescuers.

Maasai warriors have killed lions for a long time to protect their herds. In the past, boys have had to slaughter a lion to become warriors. Avenging the death of a prize cow won a warrior respect. Lately, the killings have gotten worse. Herdsmen used to just spear lions. Now some leave out poisoned animal carcasses. These can kill a whole pride of lions and any other creatures that eat the tainted meat.

Conservationists knew the killings were a big problem for lions. So they got the best gamekeepers to help—the Maasai themselves. These Wildlife Warriors rise early, eat a breakfast of chai and porridge, and start their work tracking lions. Paw prints found inside the kraal can anger the Maasai people fast. Wildlife Warriors remind their neighbors: Don’t fight back. Protect your livestock with good fences. But don’t kill lions.