KIGALI – The Rwandan Government imported seven lions from South Africa to its national Akagera Park, as part of ongoing tourism campaign dedicated to re-introduce endangered animals.
This is contained in a statement issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a government body in charge of promoting tourism on Tuesday in Kigali.
The pride of lions included five females that have been donated by Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and two males that have been donated by Tembe Elephant Reserve, an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected area in South Africa.
The statement said the lions were selected based on future reproductive potential and their ability to contribute to social cohesion, young adults, sub-adult females, and young adult males with different genetics.
It noted that on their arrival at the Kigali International Airport, all seven lions were immediately transported by road to the Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.
It said they would be monitored by a veterinary team with experience in translocations
The Head of Tourism and Conservation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Amina Kalitanyi, said government was also negotiating with the International Fund for Animal Welfare to help fund conservation projects.
“We are keeping good contacts with the branch of this Nairobi-based institution and we hope that these talks will produce good results’’, Kalitanyi said.
Rwandan officials hope that the return of lions would encourage the natural balance of the ecosystem.
“In addition, local residents and visitors will now have the chance to see one of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ animals in one of the continent’s most diverse national parks.
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“This will further cement Rwanda’s status as conservation focused, all-in-one safari destination,’’ it said.
The Park, established in 1934 along the Rwandan-Tanzanian border, boasts of many species of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, gazelles, zebras, snakes, crocodiles and panthers. (PANA/NAN)
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