South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced a significant development at Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP), situated just outside Nxuba (formerly Cradock) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. On 11 July 2025, two male lions from the nearby Addo Elephant National Park, named Niklaas and Witwarm, were relocated to the National Park as part of SANParks’ ongoing predator management programme.
The lions were initially placed in the Mountain Zebra National Park's bomas to acclimatise to their new environment before being released into the park itself on 29 July 2025. This strategic relocation is part of SANParks’ broader conservation strategy to mimic natural ecological processes, maintain genetic diversity, and ensure balanced predator-prey dynamics in protected areas.
The move comes after the passing of Mountain Zebra National Park's legendary resident male lion, Nomad, who had lived far beyond the average lifespan for wild males. Nomad was humanely euthanised to prevent potential injury or death from confrontations with the newly introduced coalition—an unavoidable risk in the park’s open ecosystem.
By introducing Niklaas and Witwarm, SANParks aims to replicate natural dispersal patterns found in unfenced, free-roaming environments. This approach not only safeguards the long-term health of the lion population but also prevents overpopulation and inbreeding, in line with SANParks’ predator management policy.
Mountain Zebra National Park is currently home to four lionesses, and park management is optimistic that the new males will soon contribute to the next generation of lions. Visitors may have the rare opportunity to witness these magnificent predators as they establish their territory in their new home.
While the loss of Nomad marks the end of an era for regular visitors, the arrival of Niklaas and Witwarm ensures a vibrant and sustainable future for lions in Mountain Zebra National Park.
Also read: Two male lions relocated to Addo Elephant National Park to strengthen genetic diversity! >>
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