Stealthy lion escapes from South Africa’s reserves again

“Sylvester” the stealthy lion has escaped from the game reserve of the South African National Parks (SANParks) again after being on the loose for three weeks last year.

The lion is now wandering the sparsely-populated mountain region, SANParks officials said on Tuesday.

Speaking with Reuters SANParks spokeswoman Fayroush Ludick said the big cat probably broke out by crawling under an electric fence after heavy rains dislodged earth over the weekend.

“We realized early yesterday morning when they check all the satellite tracking collars that he had escaped. We are awaiting a helicopter to begin an aerial search,” Ludick said.

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The likelihood of him encountering humans are slim, Ludick said, but urged people not to approach Sylvester should they come across him.

“It’s the very same lion that escaped last year. I think we should change his name to Houdini,” Ludick added, referring to the famous Hungarian-American illusionist and escape artist.

Last June, Sylvester as the animal is nicknamed, went on a sheep killing spree, wandering 300 kms (180 miles) before he was found taking a nap by rangers and airlifted from the Nuweveld Mountains, 5,800 feet (1,750 meters) above sea level.

“We anticipate this operation will be a lot quicker because he is wearing a tracking collar,” Ludick said.

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