At a SANParks briefing on Wednesday, officials said that four of the five lions have since returned to the park. While one is still missing, it is believed that the final runaway had most likely also returned to the park.

SANParks acting managing executive of conservation services who is also the head of scientific services, Danie Pienaar said it was not a new phenomenon for animals to escape from the park. However, in the case of the five lions, the animals were far more visible as they were spotted next to the N4.

He said it was obvious that the five male lions all aged between four and five were relatively tame because of the way they reacted to tourists and vehicles.

Pienaar said because the lions were not habitual offenders and did not behave like animals who had been away from the park for a while, the decision was taken to move them back to the park after they were captured.

Habitual offenders, that kill livestock or act is if they have been harassed, are put down, Pienaar said.

Because the lions were fairly tame, it was not very difficult for rangers to catch them and escort them back into the park.

From: www.news24.com