A pride of lions was spotted again at Ngwenya Lodge earlier today, September 12.
SANParks’ spokesperson, Ike Phaahla, said they are waiting for guidance from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) on what steps to take. He said the number of lions at the lodge at the moment is as yet unknown.
This incident follows one in which four female and four male lions were darted and taken back to the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Wednesday night, September 11, after they had been spotted at Ngwenya Lodge earlier that day. It is believed that they were able to cross over the Crocodile River between the lodge and KNP due to the low water levels.
The pride was released at the Crocodile Bridge section of the KNP. One of them had been fitted with a collar to monitor their movements after being released.
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Asked whether the pride would be sent further up north in the park this time or be put down, Phaahla said: “It is difficult to speculate at this stage. It is better for us to wait for the colleagues to meet, discuss the options and advise us of the outcomes. The lions most likely returned to the lodge because they felt safer there with no competition or harassment from the other animals. Lions are territorial animals and in the park there is high competition over game, water and space. However, we are currently in meetings with relevant stakeholders to ensure that we come up with a resolution on this issue.”
He added that the lions would only be taken out of the lodge in the evening.
“Evenings are safer times to work because there is lesser traffic and less likelihood of people getting injured. It is also the time when the animals are much more active. Our team will again commence whatever activity needs to be conducted just after sunset,” he said.
This is a developing story. More information will be published when it is made available.
Mpumalanga News
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