One lion captured, second still at large in Mpumalanga’s Barberton valley

Authorities have captured one of two lions that were seen roaming near Mbombela, Mpumalanga, while search teams continue to track a second animal sighted in the Barberton valley, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) confirmed.

What happened

The MTPA said wildlife officials darted and secured one of the two lions during an operation to protect both the animals and the public. The agency has not disclosed how the lions escaped or where they are believed to have originated from.

Search for the second lion

MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube said the remaining lion has been sighted in the Barberton valley and that teams are concentrating their efforts there. “Initially, there were two lions that were on the loose. Our team has successfully darted and captured one of the lions,” Shungube said.

“The second lion remains on the loose and has been sighted in the Barberton valley. Our team is currently on the ground and they are working tirelessly to locate and capture the remaining lion.”

Public safety and next steps

Wildlife officials, conservation personnel and other role players remain on high alert as the search continues across the rugged terrain around Barberton. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, report any sightings immediately and avoid attempts to approach the animal.

The captured lion will be assessed by wildlife officials before being relocated to a secure environment, the MTPA said. Shungube added that the agency “would continue providing updates as efforts to capture the second lion progress.”