News that Sylvester the lion that escaped from the Karoo National Park will be put down has sparked outrage, and a petition has been created to #SaveSylvester.
Sylvester’s escape from the park on Tuesday comes after his escape last year when he was on the run for three weeks and killed 28 sheep, a cow and a kudu.
SANParks spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli said this time the three-year-old male had killed a cow on a privately owned farm and was a “damage-causing” animal.
The park would not take Sylvester back, Thakhuli said.
“Unfortunately, this lion has now been identified as a problem animal and will be put down.
“He has identified easy prey and is not only a danger to farm animals, but also humans. He will want to keep getting easy prey.”
Read more: Sylvester the lion to be put down
The National Council of SPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit said on Tuesday that the lion had become a danger to human beings and the decision to put him down is for the best.
Eduard Leonard, the man behind the #SaveSylvester petition, states on the petition page: "I implore the South African National Parks to reconsider the decision to put Sylvester down and rather find him a new home. The South African National Parks slogan is ‘Conserving nature since 1926’, to conserve is to protect. Is this life not worth protecting?"
There has also been an outcry on Twitter with some tweeps offering alternative solutions.
Do the right thing @SANParks, this lions problem is a man made one, how can u punish him for that? #SaveSylvester pic.twitter.com/qJFw6057HO
— Bryan Boshoff (@BryanLFC) March 30, 2016
@SANParks You failed! So the lion pays. Nice one guys! way to promote conservation... #SaveSylvester @peta @rickygervais #AnimalRights
— #SaveSylvester (@robyn_sticks) March 30, 2016
The petition to have Sylvester relocated as opposed to putting him down has reached almost 1500 signatures and can be found at: https://www.change.org/p/south-african-national-parks-save-sylvester-the-lion
IOL MOJO