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South Africa issues warning after lion escapes from park

Xinhua, March 31, 2016 Adjust font size:

South African authorities on Wednesday issued a warning to the public after a lion escaped from the Karoo National Park.

It was the second time that the lion escaped from the same park, the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.

In 2015, the three-year-old male lion escaped through a hole in a fence at the park after heavy rain in the area. The animal killed 28 sheep, a cow and a kudu.

It was captured later and sent back to the park.

But the animal escaped again earlier this week, this time by crawling under an electric fence after heavy rains in the area once again.

Following its previous escape, the animal was fitted with a tracking collar.

A 14-person tracking team, bolstered by aerial support has been searching for the escaped animal in the Beaufort West area since Monday when the escape was discovered.

"We are facing a number of challenges hampering the search at present due to the difficult terrain and extremely windy conditions. An aerial search had to be abandoned yesterday. For operational reasons we are also unable to conduct the aerial search today," the SANParks said.

The SANParks said it is considering a number of measures to deal with the lion once it is captured in line with SANParks protocols for the management of problem animals.

The measures include bringing the lion back to the park and looking at improving on fencing and other preventative measures, translocating the lion to another national park, donating the lion to another state owned conservation entity or to a private conservation entity.

"In considering these measures we should be aware of the reality that such an animal can pose a very real danger to human life. Our actions in this regard are in line with international norms and standards," added the SANParks.

SANParks said it notes concerns by members of the public regarding the fate of the animal, nicknamed Sylvester by locals.

"We are aware that some members of the public have been alarmed by reports that the animal will be euthanized, but no decision can be taken until the animal is safely captured," the SANParks said in a statement.

The lion is currently roaming a remote mountainous area and it is hoped that it will not encounter humans, according to the park. Endit