KNP: 14 escaped lions ‘not ours’
The Kruger National Park claims the 14 lions on the loose in Phalaborwa do not belong to any of its nature reserves.
The pride of lions are suspected to have escaped from a private reserve in Limpopo, despite earlier claims that the animals were housed in the national park.
Spokesperson Ike Phaahla says they believe the lions have been roaming around the Phalaborwa Foskor Mine area for the past year.
"This area outside but adjacent to the KNP also contains elephant, buffalo and other wildlife.
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"The pride might have established in this area, due to the current availability of prey in these areas, and due to a lack of competition from other lion prides.
"The lion population within the Greater Kruger is very healthy, growing, and the suitable habitats occupied."
He says the Limpopo tourism department is in charge of the recapturing of the lions.
"It was agreed that a capture operation, to be coordinated by Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, will be carried out as per the approved protocols.
"The plan is to capture the pride and move them to a suitable area outside of the KNP and private reserves, where after they will be closely monitored by the department."