News of lions in and out of Marloth Park, a town situated next to the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, is nothing new. Walkers, cyclists and residents are constantly asked to report sightings of carnivores.

On June 20, the wildlife management team from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) responded to a report of six lions roaming the area.

During a successful operation, all six the cats were darted and placed in a holding facility outside Mbombela.

“TB testing was conducted on all of the cats. The pride of six lions have subsequently been relocated to the most northern section of the Kruger National Park and are doing extremely well,” says the MTPA.

The agency says it is aware of the conflicting opinions of many of the homeowners within Marloth Park regarding having lions roaming within the municipal area, however, it has a legal mandate to manage all dangerous game, including lions, within Marloth Park and any part of the province.

“The management of such incidents will be conducted in the best interests of the people residing within this area, as well as the best interests of the animals being managed, in this case the lions.

“It is important to note that the removal of these six lions is no guarantee that there is no possibility of more lions residing within the municipal area of Marloth Park. The MTPA urges homeowners, holidaymakers and residents to always be vigilant within this area.”