The lion that escaped from the Karoo National Park, outside Beaufort West, was on Thursday momentarily spotted by ranger and tracker teams for the first time since being on the animal’s trail since last week Friday.
“The trackers followed fresh spoor yesterday morning in the same gorge where the search ended the previous night,” said SANParks’ Fayroush Ludick.
“The lion was briefly spotted at midday and a helicopter assisted in the search from then until late afternoon – with a veterinarian on board.
“The ground team swept the thick bush area for most of the afternoon where they found the fresh running spoor but the lion escaped the area.”
Park Manager, Nico van der Walt, said the ranger and tracker team once again headed out at first light on Friday morning in search of the lion.
He said although they are tired, they are confident that they will successfully return the lion back to the park.
“Residents on farms around the park are again cautioned not to approach the lion if spotted. Sightings should be reported to the police or the public can call van der Walt on 023 415 2828 or 082 801 2109.”
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