Teamwork between the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), wildlife vets, Nkomazi municipal rangers, the Carnivore Team, members of the local CPF and security personnel saw a very challenging operation performed in Marloth Park near Malelane on the border of the Kruger National Park.

The team captured the last of the Mphondo lion males on the corner of Volstruis and Moddervis on Saturday evening.

Gerrie Camacho, the MTPA’s carnivore specialist, said according to sources, the younger male is possibly from the Hippo Pools pride.

“Although it was clear that these males were pushed from their latest territory in Kruger and in a fairly battered state, they attempted to make Marloth Park their preferred territory the past few nights.

“A number of hurdles had to be overcome and with the assistance from State Vet Services and Skukuza and Kruger management, it was permitted to move these mega cats to their holding facilities at Skukuza, from where they will be moved to the north of Kruger where a fairly low population of lions occurs. In this way they get a second chance on life.”

Aside from these males, the reports made mention of two females with cubs during the week of November 22.

One of these females has gone back to Kruger for the time being, but Camacho pointed out that this could change again as is the nature of the ever-changing lion dynamics.

The other female and her cubs have not been recently spotted again. This is suspected to be due to the presence of the two males that were captured.

Residents are advised to still remain vigilant.

Should you spot any lions, contact one of the following persons at all hours:
• Rangers: 082 802 5894
• CPF/Nadine Edgecomb: 082 672 4545
• Gerrie Camacho: 082 353 9097
• Ernst Röhm/MTPA: 083 626 6309
• April Lukhele: 082 807 1057
• Jan Koekemoer: 063 053 7601