Sylvester the lion could dodge euthanasia

[caption id="attachment_138310" align="alignright" width="300"] BAD BOY: Sylvester the lion[/caption]

SANParks management may not follow through with its threat to put down Sylvester the lion.

Spokesperson Wanda Mkutshulwa told JacarandaFM's on Wednesday morning that options for the lion‚ who escaped from the Karoo National Park on Tuesday‚ were being considered.

But‚ she cautioned‚ euthanasia is a likelihood as the animal posed a danger to human life. On Tuesday night‚ the parks board said: “The decision taken earlier today to put him down was not taken lightly by SANParks management.

“A number of factors were taken into consideration‚ the overriding one being the threat he poses to human life.” It called off the search for the feline as “strong winds and tough terrain meant rangers weren't able to catch up to Sylvester”.

“The helicopter called in to assist from Port Elizabeth needed to return and staff will go out again first thing (on Wednesday) morning in search for him”

It is the second time Sylvester has gone walkabout. When he escaped last year‚ he killed a numerous livestock‚ and was eventually tracked down about 300km away from the Karoo park.

Sylvester’s fate trended on Twitter under #SaveSylvester.

Michelle Tonkin ‏@Mich_elle06 felt it unfair‚ and told @SANParks: “He's just doing what wild animals are supposed to do!”

PRAVESH DURSAN ‏@PraveshDursan compared him to a prisoner: “So when an escaped convict is recaptured‚ do we now give him the death penalty ?? #SaveSylvester”

Deon Pretorius ‏@Deon_CT said: “@SANParks Our wildlife is precious. Do not murder what you have sworn to protect #SaveSylvester”.

Chris ‏@Cynicschoice pleaded: “A number of conservationists have offered to take him. Please reconsider #SaveSylvester”.