Two Male Lions Relocated to Addo Elephant National Park

Addo – Two male lions have made their way to Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) in the Eastern Cape.

The lions, estimated to be about seven years old, were moved from the Twee Revieren region of the Kgalagadi National Park, now referred to as AENP, as confirmed by South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson
JP Louw.

In recent weeks, these two male lions have been getting accustomed to their new surroundings in a boma at AENP.

“They were set free yesterday, Thursday, 10 July 2025, and initial reports indicate that they are adapting well to the terrain,” JP Louw shared on Friday, 11 July 2025.

Their arrival closely follows the recent introduction of two lionesses to the park earlier this March.

The sisters, who are two-and-a-half years old, were relocated from the !Khamab Kalahari Reserve on the southeastern fringe of the Kalahari.

“Introducing this new genetic material is a significant boost for the lion population in the park, as it brings in robust, healthy genes that enhance genetic diversity,” JP Louw elaborated.

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

According to the SANParks spokesperson, the two male lions have been outfitted with collars for monitoring purposes. This will enable rangers and researchers to track their habitat usage, proximity to other lions, interactions with other predators, and their prey species.

“The collars will also aid in effectively managing the lion population concerning the park’s size and its influence on prey species,” JP Louw noted.

“This management is a part of a larger effort to mimic natural processes that affect lion social behavior and population growth, which includes the translocation of individuals between parks to ensure ongoing genetic enrichment.

“Meanwhile, two older males, named Niklaas and Witwarm, have been tranquilized and relocated to Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock.”

The two are currently undergoing acclimatization in a boma within the park before their eventual release.