The lion that escaped from Karoo National Park outside Beaufort West, Western Cape, was successfully darted by South African National Parks on Thursday, March 31.  

The lion, known as Sylvester, was darted from the air in difficult terrain high up in the mountains.

SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni commended the park management and the tracking team for a job well done.

Mketeni also thanked members of the public for their concern, support and patience as the team worked to recapture the lion. “As an organisation we remain committed to our conservation mandate and assure the public that the decision going forward will be in the best interest of the animal and conservation.”

The lion will be kept in the park in a boma until a final decision is reached on its future. SANParks was initially expected to euthanise the animal, however, following an outcry from the public, the organisation is looking at alternatives, including rehoming.