Since the beginning of the worldwide imposed lockdown, pictures have surfaced of wild animals being out and exploring their own habitats. From crocodiles being seen on the beaches in southern Mexico to bobcats roaming around the Yosemite National Park, while all humans have been stuck indoors for over a month because of CoVid-19.
With people being forced to stay home, the animal kingdom has been enjoying their freedom and relaxation in nature. It was only a matter of time before the lions came out for a tan in South Africa – and we mean this literally.
The Kruger National Park in South Africa uploaded photos of a pride of lions seen peacefully enjoying the sun outside on a road with seemingly no worries in the world.
These pleasantly surprising photos were taken by Richard Sowry, a park ranger who while out on a routine patrol stumbled on the uncanny sight.
According to BBC, lions are often see by the rangers on the road, but only during nighttime.
Kruger posted a tweet saying:
“This lion pride are usually resident on Kempiana Contractual Park, an area Kruger tourists do not see. This afternoon they were lying on the tar road just outside of Orpen Rest Camp.”
Usually, this park would be filled with tourists walking around on self-guided tours, having picnics and going to park attractions such as wildlife safaris, golf and museums.
Isaac Phaahla, park spokesperson told CNN that:
“Lying on the road during the daytime is unusual because under normal circumstances there would be traffic and that pushes them into the bush. Yet the animals’ behavior isn’t necessarily abnormal despite the striking nature of the photos.
He also added:
“They just occupy places that they would normally shun when there are tourists.
People should remember that KNP is still a largely wild area and in the absence of humans, wildlife is more active.”
Earlier this month, similar shots of hyenas and lions were also uploaded on social media in the Skukuza golf club inside the park. Jean Rossouw, the captain of the golf club witnessed these species hanging out and playing together.
Lionesses were seen drinking water from the ponds in the golf course and chasing after the hyenas in the green.
Other park officials were able to capture videos of wild dogs playing in the same area.
As part of South Africas nationwide lockdown, the park closed to the public was March 25.
According to South African National Parks (SANParks), even with the closure, food delivery, security and emergency services and other activities are still ongoing.
SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni came out with a statement saying:
“We would like to thank the public for their on-going support in line with government’s strategy to mitigate the impact of COVID 19, we all have an obligation to flatten the curve.”
Though it seems an idyllic break for the wild animals to get their land back during this lockdown, the parks and their animals in South Africa have not been going though a wonderful time.
The New York Times has reported that nine rhinos were poached in a northwest province that borders Botswana just before the lockdown. This happened due to the wildlife conservation groups stating their fears that funding would all about just disappear because of the massive drop in tourism.
Fortunately, the four suspected poachers were arrested last March 21 in the Kruger National Park, just before the lockdown officially happened.
Health authorities have reported over 4,500 infected cases with 87 deaths from coronavirus in the country.
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