For centuries, the Maasai and wildlife coexisted. Pastoralism and migration patterns overlapped, predators were tolerated, and the ecosystem functioned. Then came fences, conservancies, and restrictions. Wildlife remained, but Maasai access to land shrank. Lions kill cattle and are killed in retaliation. Elephants raid crops. Compensation schemes are slow and inadequate. The partnership is breaking. Conservation depends on Maasai land, but the Maasai are losing patience with a system that protects animals better than it protects them.