There are many programs that keep a wide variety of exotic animals in captivity for purposes of conservation, education, breeding, and continuation of the species. However, there are also less savory reasons for keeping rare animals around – and when not managed properly, these efforts can lead to dangerous situations for both the animals and the people nearby. This was the case recently in South Africa when a lion that was being transported to a game ranch escaped from the truck that was carrying it, as seen in a video that was recently shared on Reddit.
What is going on?
The video shows the lion standing on top of the truck after escaping through its top hatch. As the truck pulls off the road, the lion jumps to the ground, then walks away across the road.
(Click here to watch the video if the embed doesn’t appear.)
According to UPI, the accident happened on the road near Bakerville, between Lichtenburg and Zeerust. The lion was being taken to a game farm in Nietverdiend and was under the influence of a tranquilizer. It was later found resting under a tree and recaptured, after which it was successfully transported to its destination.
Why is this incident important?
This was an alarming moment for the drivers who saw the lion’s escape, as viewers can tell from the expression of the driver caught in the rearview mirror in the video.
Encounters with wild animals like this are dangerous both for people, who can be injured by an uncontrolled animal, as well as the animal itself, who can be injured by a car, can be injured during the escape attempt, or may need to be euthanized later to protect people from it.
In this case, the lion sustained only minor injuries, and no one was injured. However, that was just a matter of luck. An investigation into the incident is underway, including whether the correct transport permits were obtained. Meanwhile, unfortunately, the lion has finally ended up in a game ranch – which means that his ultimate fate is still likely to be a tragic one.
What is being done about this incident?
In addition to the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the lion’s transport and escape, many opponents of big game hunting are working hard to try to end this practice.
Meanwhile, conservationists work to stabilize the wild lion population in South Africa.
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