Cape Town - Three lions that strayed from the Kruger National Park last Friday were captured by the South African National Parks (SANParks) in an intensive operation on Monday and returned to the park.
SANParks spokesperson Ike Phaahla said they received an alert from community members from Mkhuhlu regarding roaming lions on Saturday evening.
“They moved out through the Paul Kruger gate towards Elephant Point and were sighted by the community members roaming around the farm area. After three days the lions were found in thick bush near the Sabi Sand Reserve,” he said
Phaahla said the lions were darted and safely returned to the Kruger on Monday, after a full day search operation.
“A search resumed on Sunday without success. A visual was established on Monday and the operation to capture the three lions began at 10am, ending 12 hours later. All three lions were recaptured and sent back to Kruger National Park. They have been collared for monitoring purposes,” he said.
Phaahla said they do not know from which reserve the lions may have escaped.
“There are other reserves in the area, so it is difficult to know,” he said.
The lions are reported to be in good condition with no injuries.
SANParks vet Dr Lufuno Netshitavhadulu said the lions were successfully captured following assistance from community members.
He said they also had to call in a helicopter for assistance.
Cape Times