Two lionesses introduced into Addo Elephant National Park’s Main Camp in Colchester on March 3 are now roaming the game viewing section of the park. The two-and-a-half-year-old sisters, from !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, had been acclimatising in a boma since December before their release.

The new arrivals bring valuable genetic diversity to Addo’s lion population, which currently consists of five lions in the game viewing area and three in the Nyathi section. Conservationists aim to strengthen the genetic pool through controlled introductions to maintain a healthy and resilient population.

Both lionesses have been fitted with tracking collars to monitor their movements, habitat preferences, interactions with other predators and prey selection. This data will help park management maintain a sustainable balance between predator numbers and available prey within the park.