Escaped KNP lions still on the loose
The four lions that escaped from the Kruger National Park are still wandering the Crocodile Gorge and Matsulu area.
MATSULU – SANParks and Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) officials tried luring and catching the lions that escaped from the Kruger National Park all day yesterday and today but to no avail.
Dr Markus Hofmeyr, SANParks general manager of Veterinary Wildlife Services, said they believed the lions are in the rocky, mountainous and thickly-wooded uninhabited areas south of the Crocodile Gorge. The MTPA have very experienced staff dealing with the situation and SANParks rangers, the air wing and veterinarians are on standby to provide support.
According to SANParks, the lion population has grown exponentially, which has resulted in young males looking to claim new territories in the KNP.
Because of the drought and other natural causes, lions and other predators have an abundance of animals to feed on and therefore increase.
READ: Four lions recaptured after escape from KNP
The fence surrounding the Park is largely a disease control intervention measure managed by the National Department of Agriculture and serves primarily to keep wildlife from coming into contact with livestock.
Community members were urged not to approach or interfere with the dangerous animals for any reason.
If they spot the lions, MTPA officials should be contacted on 083-626-6792, SANParks on 076-801-9679 or 013-735-0197/4064 or SAPS on 080010111.
