Lions On The Lose In Nairobi
Recently two lions escaped from Nairobi’s national park and wandered into densely populated areas of the Kenyan capital. The Kenyan Wildlife Service issued an appeal to the public for help getting both lionesses back after they strayed. Armed rangers as well as vets from the wildlife service have been armed with dart guns and have been scouring bush and agricultural land besides on the largest slums in Africa known as the Kibera district.
“Lions are dangerous wild animals. Avoid provoking the lions by confronting them,” said KWS spokesman Paul Udoto.
Two escapees
It is believed that at least two lionesses escaped from the park which measures 117 square kilometres and where rhino and buffalo roam less than 7 kilometres away from the centre of the city. Some local media outlets were reporting that as many as six lions may be on the loose. This is not the first incident where lions have entered populated areas. The big cats are losing their habitat as one of Africa’s fastest growing cities continues to expand onto ancient hunting grounds. On some occasions, lions are killed by farmers who are seeking to keep their herds protected and on other occasions they prowl leafy gardens giving a fright to the people who live there.
“These are highly populated areas and that is why we are intensifying the search. Anyone with information about them should share it with us immediately.”Mr. Udoto said.
Lion population decimated
It is estimated that the lion population in Africa has fallen by as much as three-quarters since 1980. They now occupy less than 10 per cent of their historic range across the continent. The park itself is fenced in on the city side and there are some bars which have terraces where patrons can sit have a drink and view the animals. On the other side, the park is open sided to enable the annual wildlife migration. The land faces increasing pressure from increasing urbanization and agriculture. This means the routes used by migrating herds seeking greener pastures as well as the animals that hunt them are growing narrower.
