Loose lion captured in Limpopo and relocated to Kruger National Park on Heritage Day

Mapaballo Borotho

A male lion that attacked livestock in Limpopo was captured and relocated to the Northern Kruger National Park on Heritage Day.
The successful operation was led by SANParks, EWT, and the Limpopo tourism department to protect both communities and wildlife.
Authorities are also preparing to capture two more lions roaming in Mtimkulu Nature Reserve.

A loose male lion that had been preying on livestock in Limpopo was captured and relocated to the Northern Kruger National Park on Heritage Day, 24 September 2025.

The lion, described as dangerous, was captured by rangers from SANParks and a team from the Limpopo Department of Tourism. The operation, carried out in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and SANParks, followed incidents on 16 and 21 September 2025 in which the lion killed livestock in the Giyani–Phalaborwa boundary area.

This swift intervention safeguarded the well-being of nearby communities and ensured the lion’s survival in a protected environment.

Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Tshitereke Matibe, praised the team’s efforts, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, conservation agencies, and the private sector.

“Our rangers and partners worked tirelessly to secure both our communities and our wildlife heritage. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every individual and organisation that played a role in this delicate and urgent operation,” said Matibe.

He further urged communities living near nature reserves and park boundaries not to tamper with or cut fences to access wood or other resources.

“Respecting these boundaries is essential for your own safety, the protection of livestock, and the well-being of our wildlife,” he said.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that two other lions are roaming in the Mtimkulu Nature Reserve outside Giyani.

Plans are underway, in collaboration with EWT and SANParks, to capture and relocate them safely to the Kruger National Park. These lions are not currently in communal lands and have not caused any livestock damage.