KEY POINTS
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Four lions escaped from Kruger National Park and have been spotted near Bushbuckridge and Hazyview, prompting an intensive search by wildlife authorities.
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Drones, tracking dogs, and ground teams are being used in the operation, with residents warned not to approach or attempt to capture the animals.
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The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency has urged the community to stay calm, vigilant, and report any sightings immediately as the search continues.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to locate four lions that escaped from the renowned Kruger National Park earlier this week.
The big cats were first reported missing on Sunday, prompting an urgent search operation across Mpumalanga Province, particularly around the Bushbuckridge and Hazyview regions.
According to reports from The South African, multiple sightings of the lions have been made since their disappearance, raising alarm among residents living near the park’s boundaries.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), which oversees wildlife conservation in the province, confirmed that its rangers are working around the clock to track the animals and return them safely to the park.
“Our team is actively searching for the lions. Today, we are using dogs in our efforts. We are confident that we will locate the lions if they are still outside the park,” stated MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube during an interview with newsmen.
Search intensifies for lions with drones, dogs, and tracking Experts
As part of the expanded recovery mission, teams have deployed drones and trained tracking dogs to assist in pinpointing the lions’ exact location. Local law enforcement and wildlife officers have also been mobilised to support the effort and ensure public safety.
“The lions were spotted near the park. We are determined to recover these lions,” Shungube told eNCA. “We urge the public not to attempt to confront or capture the animals, but rather report any sightings to us immediately.”
The MTPA emphasized that community safety remains its top priority and reassured the public that every available resource is being utilized. “The community can rest assured that we are working tirelessly to ensure the lions are located,” Shungube added.
Escaped lions from Kruger are not an entirely new phenomenon. In previous years, the park has faced similar challenges due to damaged fences or breaches caused by natural elements like heavy rain or erosion. These incidents often spark broader debates around wildlife management, conservation funding, and the balance between preserving natural habitats and protecting human populations.
Local community leaders have joined the call for vigilance and calm, urging residents in surrounding villages to stay indoors at night and keep livestock secured until the lions are safely captured. Several schools in the area have taken precautions, with some closing early or suspending outdoor activities temporarily.
Experts say that lions are unlikely to target humans unless provoked or threatened. However, the threat to livestock and pets remains high, especially if the animals are desperate for food. MTPA has asked farmers and villagers to be particularly cautious and to avoid taking matters into their own hands.
Anyone who may have spotted the lions is encouraged to contact the MTPA or report through the official WhatsApp hotline at 060 011 0211. Authorities have promised to respond swiftly to credible leads and to keep the public informed on developments.
As the Easter weekend continues, the search remains active, and communities in the region are reminded to remain alert. Further updates will be shared through official channels, including social media platforms and local news outlets.
