Lioness recaptured after brief escape

Savanna, safely captured in a trap cage.

Rustenburg – It was a combination of instinct and bait that led a lioness back to safety after her brief escape from Lost Valley Predators on Rex Road. On Wednesday evening, 5 June 2024, the young lioness, named Savanna, returned unharmed to her enclosure.

Shortly after Savanna’s escape on Monday afternoon, notices circulated on social media in which the public was advised not to approach the lioness, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away if they encountered her. The community readily complied with these guidelines.

Savanna, though raised with human care and described as very tame, remains a wild animal capable of instinctive reactions when threatened. At the time of her escape, she was in heat, which may have influenced her behaviour.

Local residents were highly vigilant, opting to stay indoors to avoid any possible encounters with the lioness. Even pets were kept inside, away from both the lioness and the cold weather.

Jonathan Denga, North West Provincial Director for Biodiversity Management and Conservation, said the gate of the camp where the lioness was kept was opened for a few seconds, and she made use of the opportunity to escape. By Wednesday morning, Savanna’s movements were noted. “It was evident that the lioness came close to the trap cage that was set for her,” Denga said.

After making a brief detour near the Dinnie Estates, she returned to her familiar territory. Baabua Thukubi, Deputy Director of External Communications for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, confirmed that the lioness was successfully lured into the trap cage set near Lost Valley by early Wednesday evening, shortly after 6 o’clock.

The successful recapture of Savanna was the result of a coordinated effort between Problem Animal Control Specialist officials and the owners of Lost Valley. Their teamwork ensured the lioness’s safe return, much to the relief of the local community.