After news broke last week of a lion on the loose near Pongola in KZN, and its subsequent euthanasia, questions continue to mount over whether the killing was necessary, reports Zululand Observer.

Initial reports of a male lion roaming along the R66 between Nongoma and Pongola emerged on Sunday evening (June 7).

On Monday (June 8), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife urged members of the public to immediately report any sightings of the animal to the nearest police station.

However, yesterday (June 10) announcement that the lion had been euthanised the previous night sparked criticism and renewed concern among conservationists.

Speaking to the Zululand Observer yesterday afternoon, Ezemvelo spokesperson Musa Mntambo clarified the sequence of events.

“From Sunday, when we became aware of its escape, we tried to dart it using the services of a vet, but it was elusive and was hiding next to Mpilo Game Reserve,” he explained.

“When darting failed, we employed the services of a professional hunter who destroyed it.

“Ezemvelo is the only institution legally permitted to issue destruction permits, and all private game reserves apply for such permits from us.”

Explaining the challenges around darting, Mntambo said the process is carried out by a veterinarian, which can become highly costly during extended field operations.

“It would be very expensive to keep a vet in the bush for two or three days while searching for the lion,” he said.

“In most cases, vets also rely on helicopters, while professional hunters use 4×4 vehicles and can track an animal throughout the day without incurring exorbitant expenses.

“Another important point is that once an animal is outside the reserve, the environment is against the vet. If he attempts to dart and misses, the animal becomes a threat to surrounding communities, and in most cases, there is no second chance.”

From the outset of the escape, Ezemvelo confirmed the lion was not part of its own stock and initially believed it had escaped from Mkhuze Falls Private Game Reserve.

When asked whether the financial responsibility for the operation should fall on the reserve from which the lion escaped, Mntambo said Mkhuze Falls Private Game Reserve later denied ownership after completing a lion count.

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