Update
NATIONAL NEWS - Sylvester the lion seems to be a bit of a Casanova as well.
Arguably South Africa’s most famous lion after he escaped twice within a matter of months from the Karoo National Park near Beaufort West, Sylvester was released into his new home at the Addo Elephant National Park’s Kuzuko Lodge contractual area on Friday afternoon (27 May).
It took just a few hours after his arrival for 2 lionesses to become aware of Sylvester’s presence, playing right into a plan by SA National Parks (SANParks) for the 3 to get to know each other much better.
But, for now, Sylvester is in his own private one-hectare boma inside a bigger 300ha one which accommodates the lioness sisters.
The females were left to fend for themselves as cubs last year after their mother died of a suspected snake bite.
Known as “Gina’s cubs”, the two – now a year and 9 months old – were brought to Kuzuko in May last year and have since been named Nica and Angel.
SANParks regional spokesperson, Fayroush Ludick confirmed Sylvester’s feline admirers.
“The females quickly found their way to him and the three were seen walking together on their respective sides of the fence,” she said.
In the longer term, the three will be released when a fence between Kuzuko and the neighbouring Darlington section of the park is dropped, providing them with 60 000ha over which to roam.
