[imagesource:YouTube/ Screenshot/ Lowveld Media]

A video capturing a driver using their vehicle to nudge a lioness aside in Kruger National Park has sparked an uproar on social media.

The video depicts the driver nudging a lioness with their vehicle in an attempt to manoeuvre through the traffic of cars that were observing a pride of lions.

The pride of lions prompted many other motorists on the road to pull over and take in the remarkable sighting, which is a typical occurrence when visiting the Kruger. However, the moment was spoiled for spectators when an apparently impatient driver in a white Toyota Land Cruiser tried to push their way through the jam. In the process, the driver ended up bumping into one of the lionesses in the pride with their vehicle.

The reason behind the driver’s actions is not yet clear, but the Lowvelder reported that Kruger National Park (KNP) security officers were hot on the heels of the driver, per Jacaranda FM.

“We have consulted with security officers. They picked up the registration number through our advanced camera technology and will be following up. People should realise they are not invisible when in the park,” said the KNP’s spokesperson, Ike Phaahla.

However, South African National Parks (SANParks) says that at this stage, no further action can be taken against the driver.

Footage of how a driver recklessly struck a lioness while others were observing a pride of lions in the Kruger National Park, South Africa 🇿🇦

▪︎ 9 August 2024 ▪︎#Sanparks #KrugerNationalPark #lioness pic.twitter.com/I0xL18h40b

— DISASTER TRACKER (@DisasterTrackHQ) August 14, 2024

When angered social media users called for SANParks to take action against the driver as the video was going around, they confirmed “Action was implemented as soon as we were alerted of the incident. Thank you for reporting the matter to us”.

🚨SOCIAL MEDIA ALERT🚨

Please note that the incident of a vehicle bumping a lioness at a sighting in #KrugerNationalPark has been dealt with. Action was implemented as soon as we were alerted of the incident. Thank you for reporting the matter to us.

— SANParks (@SANParks) August 12, 2024

But on Tuesday, SANPark told The Citizen it would not be pursuing further actions against the vehicle’s driver at this stage. They explained that the decision was due to the driver being a tourist and the absence of sufficient information that would allow the park to take additional measures.

“The vehicle registration numbers are on our system and if they return to the park, we will speak to the owner to get his side of the story,” said Kruger National Park spokesperson Ike Phaahla.

SANParks also called for anyone who witnessed the incident or has more information to come forward.

“It is important for the public to be given a fuller video to help everyone understand why the tourist behaved in that manner,” he concluded.

In a similar incident, back in 2021, a 51-year-old woman killed a cheetah – an endangered species – when she ran over it with her vehicle. She was arrested and faced charges related to the National Environmental Management Act for protected areas.

The park continues to grapple with significant issues like visitors speeding and littering, especially during the busy seasons.

[source:citizen]