The lion featured in this widely shared photograph is a legendary male lion known as Scarface, also called Satau, who lived for most of his life in the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Scarface became one of the most recognizable lions on the African continent, admired by wildlife photographers, conservationists, and safari travelers from across the globe. His striking appearance, marked by dramatic facial scarring and a distinct, clouded right eye, made him an unforgettable figure in the landscape of African wildlife.

Scarface first gained international prominence after sustaining a severe injury during a territorial fight in 2012, which left a deep scar running across his right eye. The injury caused the eye to become non-functional, resulting in the milky, opaque look that can be seen clearly in the famous photographs. According to field reports from long-term Mara researchers and conservation groups such as the Mara Predator Conservation Programme, the injury did not significantly hinder his ability to hunt or defend his territory, highlighting his remarkable resilience.

In addition to his damaged eye, Scarface was easily identifiable by a tear in his left ear, another battle scar that added to his rugged and commanding presence. He was a dominant member of the powerful four-male coalition known as the “Four Musketeers”—Scarface, Morani, Sikio, and Hunter. Together, they controlled a vast stretch of territory and maintained authority over several prides of females, making the coalition one of the most successful in the Maasai Mara’s modern history. Conservationists often noted that Scarface’s leadership and longevity were impressive, considering the high mortality rate and intense competition among wild male lions.

The dramatic scars that marked his face came to symbolize his long and challenging life in the wild. For many photographers and wildlife biologists, these scars served as a visual testament to years of survival, dominance, and fierce encounters on the savannah. Numerous documentaries and photo essays—including features by National Geographic, BBC Earth, and African Wildlife Foundation—highlighted Scarface as an emblem of both the brutality and beauty of lion life.

Born around 2007, Scarface lived to be approximately 14 years old, an exceptional age for a wild male lion. Typically, male lions in the wild survive only 8–10 years due to injuries, competition, and territorial conflicts. His longevity is widely attributed to the strength of the Four Musketeers coalition and the protection offered by the Maasai Mara’s conservation management. In June 2021, Scarface passed away naturally near the Marsh Pride territory, reportedly without injuries or human interference—a rare and dignified end for a dominant male lion.

His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from wildlife enthusiasts around the world. Conservation organizations, including Big Cat Diary, Mara Triangle Conservancy, and numerous wildlife photographers, shared memorial posts celebrating his legacy. Scarface became not just a symbol of survival, but a representation of the Maasai Mara itself—embodying the raw power, struggle, and majesty of the African wilderness.

Today, Scarface remains one of the most photographed and beloved lions in modern wildlife history. His legacy continues to inspire conservation efforts and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting Africa’s remaining lion populations, whose numbers continue to decline due to habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict, and poaching. For many, Scarface was more than a lion—he was a true icon of the savannah, and his story lives on through the countless images and documentaries that captured his extraordinary life.