Two male lions relocated to Addo Elephant National Park to strengthen genetic diversity!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has successfully introduced two male lions into Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The pair, estimated to be around seven years old, were relocated from the Twee Rivieren section of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and released into their new environment on 10 July 2025, following a period of acclimatisation in a holding boma.
This relocation forms part of SANParks' ongoing efforts to enhance the genetic diversity of lions in Addo Elephant National Park. The two males join two lionesses that were translocated to the park in March 2025 from the !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, situated on the southeastern edge of the Kalahari. The introduction of these lions brings strong new bloodlines to the population, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the species within the park.
With these additions, Addo Elephant National Park now hosts a total of nine lions in its main game viewing area, and an additional three lions in the Nyathi section of the national park.
To assist in monitoring, both new male lions have been fitted with GPS collars. These devices allow rangers and researchers to closely observe their movements, preferred habitats, interactions with other lions and predators, as well as prey selection. The data gathered will support SANParks in managing lion numbers relative to the Addo Elephant National Park's carrying capacity and prey availability.

This translocation is part of a broader conservation strategy to mimic natural ecological processes, including the rotation of individual lions between national parks to promote healthy population dynamics and social structures.

In parallel, two older male lions, Niklaas and Witwarm, were relocated from Addo Elephant National Park to Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock. The two are currently being held in a boma as they adapt to their new surroundings before release.