Photo: Facebook/SANParks
Pride of ten lions escapes from Kruger National Park, safely returned
Ten lions who had escaped from the Kruger National Park were darted, loaded and safely transported back on Sunday.
Photo: Facebook/SANParks
A pride of ten lions that had escaped from the Kruger National Park was safely returned to Kruger National Park on Sunday.
THE LIONS WERE DARTED, LOADED AND SAFELY TRANSPORTED BACK
According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the Malelane Section Ranger received a report from Riverside Farm that their staff on the property had seen the pride of lion.
“The property is adjacent to the Kruger National Park, along the Crocodile River. The Section Ranger immediately investigated and flew over the area in his light-sport aircraft to try and locate the animals.
“A helicopter was also dispatched in the afternoon and at least 8 to 9 animals were located.”
It said in a joint effort from Rangers, Veterinary Wildlife Services, State Veterinary Department, and Riverside Farm, the animals were lured onto a bait shortly after sunset in order to be safely immobilized and returned to the Park.
“Ten animals were darted, loaded, and safely transported back into Kruger National Park. A word of appreciation to everyone involved and to Riverside for assisting with the operation from start to finish. The fast reaction from all involved led to a very successful operation.”
This comes after the farm owner apparently left the lions suffering for days after wildfires had ravaged the area.
During the recent wildfires in a large area of the Free State, the Bloemfontein SPCA was at the forefront to assist the farmers with injured animals and end the brutal suffering.
Senior Inspector Reinet Meyer at the Bloemfontein SPCA said what they found at the captive lion breeding farm in the Glen/Brandfort district shocked them to the bone.
“We saw that the lions couldn’t escape the blazing fires, and the inhalation of smothering fumes was evident. The lions didn’t move. They all laid in one spot with their paws turned upwards.
“Their fragile bodies were burnt, and their faces carried the devastating scars of the flames just days ago. Three male Lions, the supposed to be Kings of the Jungle, in one of the camps, couldn’t stand at all. As they attempted to get up, they simply collapsed over and over. One cannot begin to comprehend the pain these lions were in.”
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