In a rare incident in South Africa, a male lion made a daring escape from the rooftop compartment of the truck transporting him, leaping down to the ground below. The thrilling sight was captured by a driver in a vehicle behind the truck. However, the lion’s taste of brief freedom was short-lived as it was soon recaptured.
On October 20, a short video posted on Facebook depicted the lion escaping from the rooftop compartment of a truck on the R49 highway near Bakerville. The lion was seen standing on top of the truck after the truck came to a stop at the roadside.
When the truck pulled over, the lion jumped down from the rooftop, initially landing by the roadside, before making its way to the middle of the road.
[Click here to watch the video.]
In another video, the lion was seen walking along the roadside fence, appearing unharmed.
[Click here to watch the video.]
According to the report from South Africa’s Caxton Network News, the lion was being transported from the Free State to a wildlife breeding facility in the North West province.
Dr. Anton Nel from Lichtenburg Animal Hospital, who was dispatched to the scene to handle the escape incident, mentioned that the walls of the truck were smooth and about 2.5 meters high. However, the lion managed to squeeze out of the rooftop compartment and somehow maneuvered its large body through the narrow opening.
Nel arrived at the scene around 3 p.m. that day, nearly an hour after the videos were recorded. Fortunately, the area was not densely populated, and there were few vehicles around.
He described finding the lion lying under a tree on the grass. After being shot with a tranquilizer dart, the lion walked a short distance before the sedative took effect. Once the lion lay down and fell asleep, they successfully loaded it back onto the truck.
Nel explained, “When we hoisted him onto a stretcher to transport back to the truck, I had a chance to examine him.”
Apart from some broken claws and minor issues, the lion was in good condition with no apparent fractures. “They are fierce animals, used to fighting with wild buffalo.”
He mentioned that the park authorities and police were present when he arrived, the road was closed off, and warnings were issued to the public.
Although he frequently interacts with wildlife and lion escapes are not uncommon, it was his first time participating in capturing a lion.
The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism confirmed in a statement that the captured lion posed no threat to local residents or road users.
Jeremiah Matebesi, the department’s spokesperson, stated, “The department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Initial investigations suggest there may have been violations of transportation permit conditions. We will assess whether this fully complies with national standards for carnivore activities and welfare.”
As for the lion, it was safely transported to the wildlife breeding facility in the end.