All seven lions that escaped a farm in Limpopo recaptured

All seven lions that escaped from an enclosure on a farm in Alldays, Limpopo on Monday 11 May, have now been recaptured.

The seven lions were not recaptured all at once though. Three were recaptured first and the remaining four were recaptured later, also on Tuesday 12 May.  

LIMPOPO LIONS RECAPTURED 

According to Limpopo Police Spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, officials using a helicopter, managed to spot three of them and used a tranquiliser to dart them. 

Mojapelo said the three lions that were recaptured on Tuesday were found not too far from where they were initially spotted. 

The remaining four were later on Tuesday afternoon spotted next to their enclosure. Meat was used to lure them in.

ESCAPE FROM ENCLOSURE 

Limpopo police, on 12 May, announced that seven lions had escaped from their cage in the local Ingogo Safaris in Alldays outside Louis Trichardt on Monday evening. It seems even they have had enough of the lockdown. 

Police cautioned community members around Alldays and those on adjacent farms to be extra careful and vigilant until all seven animals have been recaptured. 

The seven animals that were initially missing were made up of five lions and two lionesses.  

“The seven lions were allegedly spotted by community members roaming the area opposite Speaker Park Phase 1 and 2 in Alldays policing area early on Tuesday morning around 07:00,” said Mojapelo. 

The farm owner and the police summoned officials from LEDET to inspect the area where they had escaped. 

“It is not clear at this stage how the lions managed to escape,” said Mojapelo.

HOW TO REACT WHEN COMING INTO CLOSE CONTACT WITH A LION

According to discoverwildlife.com, knowing how to react when coming into close contact with a lion, could save your life. 

Humans on foot are perceived as a threat and we can’t blame them, it’s their natural instinct. 

As crazy as it may sound, one should never run or turn their back if the animal is charging at you. This would only allow the lion’s predator instinct to kick in. The site suggests that you, instead, stand your ground, clap your hands and wave your arms to make yourself appear larger. 

It’s also a good idea to walk backwards while facing the lion. If you speak, it needs to be done with a calm, steady, yet assertive voice. If there’s two things to remember then it’s never turn your back and don’t bolt.