Villagers in fear of lion cub on the run
Mpongo trackers hunt young cat after it escapes from enclosure
camps, all of which are electrified as per regulations, the statement from Smith reads.
She said that following an inspection of the enclosure, it was found that human error was not involved in the animal’s escape.
“It is suspected that the cub was frightened because of a fight between two adult females and an adult male and escaped through the electric fence to get away from the chaos.”
Jansen van Rensburg said if any animal felt afraid, it would try and escape the situation. Management at the reserve immediately took action after being alerted to the missing cub.
Rangers, as well as the reserve’s 24hour anti-poaching unit, started searching for Sheba using vehicles, while others joined on foot. Although the cub had been sighted, she kept disappearing into the undergrowth.
The search continued yesterday with assistance of tracker dogs and a police helicopter. However, high temperatures have made the search more difficult and it is believed Sheba would take cover in deep shade under trees and shrubbery to stay cool.
Smith said the public would be informed as soon as she was safely returned to her enclosure.
Villagers neighbouring the four-star establishment, however, reacted nervously to the news of the escape.
Fundiswa Bubi, 52, from Kwa Mpundu village said they were scared to leave their homes for work or school.
“We are helpless because there’s absolutely nothing one could do if confronted by the [lion],” she said.
Mzwandile Jakuca, 59, said he was concerned over the safety of children who played in the bush surrounding the reserve.
“Even myself, I walk a long distance through the bush to and from work,” he said. —