Dinokeng game reserve: Three lions killed after mauling owner to death

Note: It was initially reported that the lion attack occured within the gates of Dinokeng Game Reserve when, in fact, it occured on the grounds of a private park; Mahala View Lodge near Cullinan.

Dinokeng game reserve rangers have been forced to put down three lions that mauled a man suspected to be the owner, to death.

Where is the Dinokeng game reserve?

Early reports published by the Pretoria North Rekord indicate that the incident happened on Tuesday, near the Dinokeng game reserve.

The popular reserve, known for its efforts in preserving the endangerment of Africa’s Big 5 animals, is situated on the northeastern quadrant of the Gauteng Province of South Africa, in Hammanskraal.

The reserve sees many visitors who, on a daily basis, come through to Ndlovu Gate and experience close encounters with elephants, lions, endangered rhinos and other wildlife animals.

Was the victim the owner of the lions?

However, on Tuesday, the game reserve was closed for business after reports surfaced that a man, believed to be the owner, was attacked by three lions.

According to Best Care Emergency spokesperson, Xander Loubster, the rangers who responded to the incident were left with no other choice but to shoot and kill the lions.

“We received a call of a lion attack at Dinokeng. We received information that the male (patient) was unresponsive and that a few lions were shot. We were also informed that the patient was not safe to approach as there was still a third lion in close proximity,” Loubster noted in a statement.

The Best Care Emergency spokesperson revealed that the alleged owner of the lions succumbed to his wounds before he could be transported to a nearby hospital.

Science explains why lions eat humans

According to the Science Mag, while a lion will never turn down the opportunity to feast on human flesh, the meal is not listed high up on the big cat’s desired menu.

Using the case of the infamous two male African lions who, in 1898, killed 35 people in the Tsavo region of Kenya, as an example, scientists concluded that lions target humans as a means to an end.

As this is a developing story, it cannot be assumed that the lions attacked their suspected owner as a means to address their starvation.

More information will be furnished once the reserve and the victim’s family release a statement on the matter.