Mountain Zebra National Park in the Eastern Cape has introduced two male lions from Addo Elephant National Park as part of SANParks’ predator management programme.
The lions, named Niklaas and Witwarm, were relocated on July 11 and spent time in bomas before being released into the park on July 29. The move aims to maintain genetic diversity, balance predator-prey dynamics and replicate natural dispersal patterns in free-roaming environments.
The park’s previous male, known as Nomad, was “humanely euthanised” after exceeding the typical lifespan for a wild lion. SANParks said the decision was made to avoid the high risk of fatal confrontations with the incoming coalition.
Mountain Zebra National Park, which is home to four lionesses, expects the new males to contribute to the long-term health of its lion population. Visitors may soon encounter the pair as they establish territory in their new environment.
