LATEST: Two cubs die as pride of lions returned to Kruger National Park

The pride of lions that escaped for a second time from the Kruger National Park to the neighbouring Ngwenya Lodge was once again successfully recovered on Thursday night.

Ngwenya Lodge sits perched along two kilometres of prime Crocodile River frontage, which borders the Kruger National Park.

According to a SANParks Facebook post, seven lions are now safe at a boma facility until a decision is made as to where they will be released to their new home after collars are fitted to track their whereabouts and reintegration into their new territory where they will be safe and thrive.

However, during the operation, unfortunately two of the youngest cubs of the pride died.

The veterinarian team that was heading the operation stressed that this is a common occurrence during such an operation as a result of the stress experienced by the animals among other factors.

How it unfolded

The pride of lions which exited the Kruger National Park on Wednesday, only to be darted and sent back, have reportedly left again.

In a Facebook post late on Wednesday, SANParks confirmed that the eight lions which escaped from the Kruger National Park are back ‘home’.

The South African website reported earlier on Wednesday that SANParks Management confirmed that Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) had been alerted to the presence of a pride of lions on the neighbouring Ngwenya Lodge property.

Collar fitted to one of the lions

A Facebook post read: “After a long day of hard work by the teams from both Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agencies and SANParks, four female and four male lions were successfully darted and sent back into Kruger National Park.

“This was yet another challenging exercise that was executed with so much passion and dedication for the wellbeing of the animals.

“Thank you to all who were involved.”

It was also confirmed that collar was fitted to one of the lions so that its movements can be monitored after they are release in the Crocodile Bridge section of the Kruger National Park.

Left again

HOWEVER, in another Facebook post on Thursday morning, SANParks wrote: “After a long day of working around the clock on 11 September 2024, to relocate a pride of lions from Ngwenya Lodge back into Kruger National Park, the lions spent the late hours of the night making their way back into the lodge.

“It is suspected that this pride is being pressured by the other existing pride/s in that area.

“Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency together with SANParks are engaging to come up with a solution that will see these lions relocated successfully.

“Updates will be posted as and when received. Developing story…”

This is second reported escape of animals from the Kruger National Park in the last week after, as reported by The South African website, a herd of elephants exited the park, only to be seen returning later that evening.

This developing news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.