Dead cows lead to discovery of escaped lions in Mossel Bay

THREE dead cows. That is how conservation officials discovered a pride of lionesses had escaped from an exclusive game reserve near Mossel Bay.

It is believed the five big cats escaped from Gondwana Private Game Reserve last weekend. Four of the lionesses were accounted for by mid-morning, while the fifth lioness was found dead on a neighbouring property yesterday. It is not clear how it had died.

Conservation officials were alerted to a possible problem by a neighbouring farmer who reported to police that three of his cows had been killed.

Gondwana general manager Neil Davison said they were told at about midday on Monday that one of the lionesses had been spotted on a neighbouring property by a farmer.

He said it appeared the five escaped through a hole which had been burrowed under the perimeter fence – possibly by a porcupine.

The fence, which is inspected during regular patrols, was intact on Friday.

"At that stage [on Monday] we were not sure how many lions had managed to get out but we later realised that five lions were missing," Davison said.

"We think the lions probably got out on Sunday. We believe they were most likely trying to get to cattle grazing near the fence.

"At this stage we know they killed three cows."

Davison said escaped animals did not usually venture too far from familiar surroundings and were located within 12 to 24 hours.

He said they had used various methods, including calling and luring the animals back with food. Two were back on the reserve the same day.

"We also got veterinary services on board, used thermal imaging and helicopter air surveillance to locate the lions.

"We only use darting as a last resort as it is very traumatic for the animals. In this case it wasn't necessary."

Davison believes the fifth lion may have died after being injured while trying to escape.

A police spokeswoman said they were investigating a criminal case and monitoring the situation. - Gareth Wilson and Yolandé Stander