The spokesperson for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Jerry Matebesi, said relevant stakeholders will continue with the search for the lioness this morning. 

ALSO READ: Calls to ban private keeping of big cats after tigers escape

Matebesi explained the owner of the lioness was transporting two lions from one game reserve to another in Tlhakgameng, and it is understood that the lioness escaped during the trip.

"The owner only found out when checking on the lions around Setlagole."

ALSO READ: Lion escapes in North West

A helicopter is assisting in the search for the lioness.

Police spokesperson in the province, Aafje Botma, has warned the community to be on the lookout for the lioness.

ALSO READ: No sign of Joburg tiger despite wide search

This is not the first lion to escape in the province. In March 2022, it was reported that a lion was on the loose after it escaped from the Pilanesberg National Park in the province. The lion was first spotted by a farmer in Mahobieskraal after it mauled his goat. The farmer took a couple of shots at the lion and it ran away.

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Animal welfare organisation Four Paws South Africa says it is concerned about the increase in big cat farming and its commercialisation in the country.

Four Paws spokesperson Elize Parker is calling on the government to ban the private keeping of big cats and its commercialisation.

"We are saddened by the killing of Sheba but also the escape of the 9-month-old tiger. This is an issue that should never have the opportunity to pose a risk to animals or humans. The cats in private keeping are a serious problem, one being the risk to wildlife and public safety."

OFM News