Lost Karoo lion evades rangers, but officials appeal for calm
2019-02-25 13:24
Duncan Alfreds
Rangers and trackers have appealed for calm in the Karoo after a lion escaped from the game park last week.
The male lion, estimated to be between two and four years old, escaped from the Karoo National Park outside Beaufort West and rangers have been tracking the predator.
"We've read reports that people are living in fear because of this lion, but it's moving in the opposite direction of the town (Beaufort West)," Reynold "Rey T" Thakhuli, SANParks general manager for media, PR and stakeholder relations told News24.
After briefly spotting the lion last week, they lost the spoor when it entered a deep gorge.
"It evaded them again deep into that gorge, and because it's a rocky area, it is expected that the spoor would be lost."
Difficult search
Last week, News24 reported that helicopters were brought in to help find the lion which is believed to have killed an eland.
Fourteen rangers and trackers are involved in a difficult search and a helicopter and vet remain on standby if the animal is spotted.
"They've been looking for this lion for over a week and we are re-strategising by resting half of the team. They will alternate for this week," said Thakhuli.
"They are very tired."
Aim is to capture, not kill
He insisted though, that the plan remained to capture rather than kill the lion, despite the risk it posed to the tracking team.
"We are going dart it. They (the team) have the necessary equipment. If it's too deep in the difficult terrain, we'll close it up and call the helicopter which is on standby."
Owners of land bordering Highlands farm, to the north-east of the park, have been advised to report any sightings of the lion to the nearest police station or to the park directly on 023 415 2828.
It's not the first time a lion has gone missing in the area.
In 2016, 4-year-old Sylvester went missing and was found after an extensive search.
Thakhuli warned that a search and capture operation could take some time.
"Sylvester was way over two weeks – that was the longest (search) we had with a lion."
https://www.news24.com/Green/News/lost- ... m-20190225
Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
- Richprins
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Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
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- Richprins
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Re: Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
Lion still on the loose, community concerned
Wednesday 27 February 2019 - 6:21am
KAROO - Residents of Beaufort West, a few kilometres from the park, remain fearful that a lion escaped from the Karoo National Park might make an appearance in their midst.
Park rangers and trackers have found no further signs of the elusive lion that escaped its boundaries almost two weeks ago.
According to Park Manager Nico van Der Walt, the search for the lion continues daily.
The lion escaped from the park on the outskirts of Beaufort West 12 days ago and seems to be heading away from town.
It has since only been seen once by the tracking team while they battle through rocky and harsh terrain to follow its spoor.
A helicopter has also joined the search.
While the lion is still to be found, Van Der Walt reiterates the broader Beaufort West community is in no immediate danger.
Residents have mixed feelings though and voiced their opinions.
eNCA
https://www.enca.com/news/lion-still-on ... -concerned
Wednesday 27 February 2019 - 6:21am
KAROO - Residents of Beaufort West, a few kilometres from the park, remain fearful that a lion escaped from the Karoo National Park might make an appearance in their midst.
Park rangers and trackers have found no further signs of the elusive lion that escaped its boundaries almost two weeks ago.
According to Park Manager Nico van Der Walt, the search for the lion continues daily.
The lion escaped from the park on the outskirts of Beaufort West 12 days ago and seems to be heading away from town.
It has since only been seen once by the tracking team while they battle through rocky and harsh terrain to follow its spoor.
A helicopter has also joined the search.
While the lion is still to be found, Van Der Walt reiterates the broader Beaufort West community is in no immediate danger.
Residents have mixed feelings though and voiced their opinions.
eNCA
https://www.enca.com/news/lion-still-on ... -concerned
Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
- Peter Betts
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Re: Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
Love it how these lions 'Disappear for weeks at a time in the Karoo
- Alf
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Re: Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
It's now the second lion that escaped from Karoo National Park. Maybe they need to upgrade the perimeter fence
Next trip to the bush??
Let me think......................
Let me think......................
- Peter Betts
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Re: Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
Flash Floods there cause wash aways in the Ignus soils of the Karoo ..and out Kitty goes
- Alf
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Re: Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
Or they must patrol the fence morePeter Betts wrote: ↑Wed Feb 27, 2019 2:10 pmFlash Floods there cause wash aways in the Ignus soils of the Karoo ..and out Kitty goes
Next trip to the bush??
Let me think......................
Let me think......................
- Richprins
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Re: Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
Predators come and go as they please if it's not electrified, IMO!
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- Lisbeth
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Re: Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
They will always find a weak spot where to pass and always have done
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Re: Lion Escapes from Karoo National Park
Everybody is looking for him, but he is perhaps back on his territory in the Park