Lions, giraffes, and other wild animals were spotted near a national park.
The animal kingdom has intrigued people worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic. Various wild animals have been sighted in urban and residential areas, venturing into locations where they are not commonly seen. For instance, wild goats were observed roaming the streets of Llandudno, a town in northern Wales. In another unusual occurrence, lions were spotted near a campsite in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, peacefully resting on an empty road during daylight.
Photographs from Kruger National Park in South Africa captured a pride of lions leisurely walking and lounging on a deserted road, with only photographer and park ranger Richard Sowry nearby. This remarkable incident was documented by CNN.
Richard, who had driven to the location in his vehicle, mentioned that the lions were unperturbed by his presence, as they are accustomed to seeing people in vehicles rather than on foot. He emphasized that if he had been on foot, he would not have been able to get as close to the lions as he did, highlighting the animals’ instinctive fear of humans on foot. This account was shared with BBC.
The national park’s Twitter page also commented on the unusual presence of the lions on the public road near a campsite, stating that this pride of lions is typically found in Kempiana National Park, an area less frequented by tourists visiting Kruger.
Visitors that tourists normally never get to see. #SouthAfricaLockdown This proud pride of lions normally live in the Kempiana National Park, an area tourists don’t see. This afternoon they were on the public road, just outside a campsite.
? Ranger Richard Sowry
pic.twitter.com/jFUBAWvmsA– Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP), April 15, 2020
Due to the quarantine measures in South Africa, Kruger National Park has been devoid of its usual flow of tourists since March 25. The absence of regular human activity has led to unique wildlife behaviors like lions lounging on the road during daylight hours, a sight rarely witnessed under normal circumstances when traffic would typically drive the animals away. The park spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, affirmed that the lions’ behavior has not significantly changed during the quarantine period.
– Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) April 13, 2020
Isaac further highlighted that the lions are now resting in areas they would typically avoid if tourists were present, emphasizing the increased freedom of movement among the wildlife in the absence of human disturbances.
Richard Sowry also noted the presence of the park’s oldest lioness, aged 14, which is considered old for a lioness. He observed the lions utilizing the warm road surface during winter nights for its heat-retaining properties. The quarantine period has provided a unique opportunity for the animals to reclaim their habitat without human interference.
Despite the quarantine, the national parks continue to receive essential supplies like food, fuel, security, and emergency services. Conservation efforts remain active to combat issues such as poaching during this time.
