Back From Extinction - Lions Reintroduced to Rwanda

Back From Extinction - Lions Reintroduced to Rwanda

andBeyond has donated 5 lionesses from Phinda for translocation to Rwanda. (Photo: andBeyond)

Thousands of animals are facing extinction around the world, and in Rwanda, the lion population was wiped out nearly 15 years ago. Today, one travel company is doing their part to reintroduce the majestic animals back to their home.

The luxury safari company, andBeyond, has donated five lionesses to the Akagera National Park in Rwanda. The lions came from Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa, and join two male lions donated from another African reserve. 

On June 29, the five lions were tranquilized, placed in individual crates, and driven to Johannesburg. From there, there were flown to the capital of Rwanda before arriving at Akagera National Park.

Initially, they will be placed in a 10,8000-square foot enclosure where they will be fed and slowly introduced to their new environment. After 14 days, they will be released and allowed to roam free in their new home.

This sleepy lion woke up to a new home in Rwanda. (Photo: andBeyond/Instagram)

Following the 1994 genocide, national parks fell under tough times, and lions in Rwanda were poisoned by surrounding cattle herders. The Rwanda lion became extinct, and while these lions aren’t genetically identical, studies have shown that Phinda’s lions are the second most genetically diverse population in South Africa.

Akagera management have been working hard to make sure the transition goes as smoothly as possible — reaching out to local communities and educating them about the significance of the lion population. 

The hope is that this gift will contribute to a bright future for lions in Rwanda.

“The five lionesses that we have donated have been carefully selected and are very tourist-friendly, disease-free and genetically diverse,” said Simon Naylor, Phinda Conservation Manager. “Together with the two males donated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, they will make a very suitable founder population for Akagera National Park.”