Rogue Karoo lion finally recaptured

Following a three-week-long operation in mountainous terrain and through a number of river valleys, a lion that escaped from the Karoo National Park (KNP) has finally been recaptured safely.

Rogue Karoo lion finally recaptured
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It was suspected that the three-year-old male might have been chased away by older lions, which provoked him to escape from the KNP on Friday, 5 June. The lion escaped through a weak section in the fence that had been damaged following heavy rain.

According to KNP park manager Nico van der Walt, the lion was eventually captured late yesterday (Monday, 29 June) in the Nuweveld Mountains after trackers found its spoor in an area approximately 20km from the KNP.

“It appears the young lad had covered over 300km during his journey, and a number of sheep and a kudu were reported to have been killed by the lion since its escape,” said Van der Walt.

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The lion has now been released into a boma and fitted with a tracking collar. “We are happy to report that it is in good health,” said Van der Walt in a statement.

Assistance in tracking the lion was provided by a range of organisations including CapeNature, the police, Northern Cape Conservation, the farming community, Berg Kwagga Trackers, and Shimane Safaris from Botswana.