LION SIGHTINGS IN GLUCKSTADT AREA

23 January 2025

On Tuesday , 21 January 2025, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Ezemvelo) received reports of approximately six elephants spotted in the Vuna area, under the Nongoma region in KwaZulu-Natal. Late that afternoon, an Ezemvelo official stationed in the area was dispatched to verify the sighting.

Late that afternoon, an Ezemvelo official stationed in the area was dispatched to verify the sighting. The report was confirmed; however, due to fading daylight, it was decided that efforts to guide the elephants back into the game reserve would commence the following day using a helicopter.Overnight, the elephants moved from the Vuna area toward the eMasokaneni region. On Wednesday, 22 January 2025, adverse weather conditions grounded the Ezemvelo helicopter, prompting the deployment of a chopper from Heligistix. During the operation, five elephants were successfully guided back into the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP). Unfortunately, one elephant, appearing to be injured, had to be destroyed for safety reasons as well as the wellbeing of the elephant.Upon learning of the destroyed elephant, members of the local community gathered at the scene and began harvesting its meat.Ezemvelo wishes to clarify that it does not object to community members utilizing the meat of an animal destroyed under such circumstances, provided that all parts required by law for conservation and management purposes are first removed. However, we strongly appeal to the community to refrain from recording and sharing videos or images of such incidents on social media. Such posts may create a negative perception of the province and Ezemvelo.For enquiries, you can contact Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Communications Manager.Musa MntamboEzemvelo KZN Wildlife: Communications ManagerTel: +27 (0) 33 845 1743Cell: +27 (0) 83 284 9586Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.