Two Male Lions Transferred to Addo Elephant National Park

Addo – Two male lions have been relocated to Addo Elephant National Park (AENP), situated in the Eastern Cape.

The lions, estimated to be around seven years old, have come from the Twee Revieren region of Kgalagadi National Park, now recognized as AENP, as indicated by South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson
JP Louw.

For the last few weeks, the two lions have been adapting to their new surroundings in a boma at AENP.

“They were released yesterday, Thursday, 10 July 2025, and initial observations suggest they are adapting well to their new habitat,” JP Louw reported on Friday, 11 July 2025.

Their arrival comes shortly after the introduction of two lionesses to the park in March.

These two-and-a-half-year-old sisters were moved from the !Khamab Kalahari Reserve located on the southeastern edge of the Kalahari.

“The introduction of new genetic material is a crucial improvement for the lion population in the park, as it brings in strong, healthy genes that enhance genetic diversity,” JP Louw elaborated.

“Presently, there are nine lions in the main game viewing area, along with three others in the Nyathi section of Addo.”

The SANParks spokesperson shared that the two males have been equipped with collars for monitoring, enabling rangers and researchers to observe their habitat utilization, interactions with other lions, encounters with other predators, and their prey species.

“These collars will play a vital role in effectively managing the lion population in relation to the park’s dimensions and its influence on prey species,” JP Louw noted.

“This management effort is part of a larger initiative to mimic natural processes that affect lion social behavior and population growth, including the translocation of individuals between parks to ensure continuous genetic influx.

“At the same time, two older males, named Niklaas and Witwarm, have been tranquilized and moved to Mountain Zebra National Park located outside Cradock.”

The two are currently adjusting in a boma within the park prior to their eventual release.