One of the male lions that escaped from the Kruger National Park (KNP) was captured in Huntington in Bushbuckridge today April 17.

The captured lion is being kept at one of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency’s (MTPA) facilities.

According to MTPA’s spokesperson, Simphiwe Shingube, the male was with a female lion when it was spotted, however, she managed to escape in the KNP’s direction.

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“Three lions are still at large. A joint operation with our Damage Causing Animals Unit and various stakeholders such as SANParks, Sabie Sands and other private game reserves are on the ground to track them down and ensure the safety of communities in the Bushbuckridge villages,” he said.

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Shingube also said the public is advised to inform the MTPA immediately should they spot the lions. Community members must not attempt to capture the animals themselves. He also thanked the public for their patience during this time and said more updates will follow.

The lions were first spotted in the villages on the tar road between Huntington Village and Elephant Point on April 13. They were spotted again near Malamule Village at about 07:30 on April 16.