Lions wreak havoc in Kunene

A lioness and her cub who have escaped from the Etosha National Park, are threatening the lives of humans and livestock at the Okoutjete village in the Kunene Region.

Okoutjete is adjacent to the national park in the Sesfontein Constituency, about 20km towards the Werda Gate.

Karipandjarere Muzuma, an employee of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in the region, said a donkey was killed and another donkey and a cow were wounded by the lions.

“We are busy treating the wounded donkey and cow,” Muzuma said.

He said the lioness has four cubs but three remained in the park.

Park rangers suspect the lioness and her cub were not comfortable with the noise of vehicles, leading them to become violent.

Muzuma further said another seven lions which had escaped from the park earlier, were driven back.

He said the fence is too old and needs replacement.

Chairperson of the Kunene Regional Conservancy Association, Gustaph Tjiundukamba told Nampa the number of lions in Kunene, especially in conservancy areas, has increased.

“A few weeks ago, another lion killed about 10 goats in a village in the Sesfontein Constituency,” Tjiundukamba said.

He said they are looking at addressing the human wildlife conflict in Kunene, especially in the Sesfontein Constituency, with the relevant authorities.



NAMPA