KWS Speaks On Lions Spotted Near Homes In Rongai
KWS announced that rangers had finally caught up to the third and final lioness, which had eluded capture for weeks.
Marvin Chege 
The Kenya Wildlife Service has issued a statement in response to the lions that were reported to be on the loose in the Rongai area of Kajiado County.
On Monday, January 20, KWS announced that rangers had finally caught up to the third and final lioness, which had eluded capture for weeks.
The wildlife oversight body confirmed that the lioness had unique features, identifying it as the one they had been searching for since earlier in January.
"Yesterday, a lioness was captured in Sorora Drive, Rimpa, Kajiado North by KWS PAC team. Confirmed by her distinctive ear notch, she is believed to be the mother of the two lions captured earlier in the same area," stated KWS in part.
The much older lioness is believed to be the mother of two other sub-adult lions that were also on the loose. Concerns about lions roaming freely in Rongai began after they were captured on CCTV footage. One of the lions is reported to have attacked dogs in one of the neighbourhoods.
Screengrabs of a lioness entering a home in Rongai. /VIRAL TEA KE
At the time of its capture, rangers noted that the lioness had several distinct injuries, suggesting a possible encounter with civilians from the greater Rongai area. The KWS veterinary team was on hand to provide the necessary treatment before releasing her back to Nairobi National Park.
"The lioness has previously been spotted in CCTV footage predating on dogs across various locations, including Masai Lodge, Olekasasi A, Acacia Estate, Nkoroi, and Rimpa," added KWS
"Unfortunately, she has sustained multiple injuries, and our dedicated KWS Vet team is now providing her with the necessary treatment. We’re committed to ensuring her recovery and safe return to the wild."
Incidentally, the mature lioness's capture came just days after another lion, presumed to be her offspring, was safely evacuated by the wildlife agency, also at Sorora Drive, Rimpa. A week earlier, a lioness had been captured in the same area.
This is now turning out to be a common experience with Rongai residents; a lion stalking residences in the area, with the proximity to the Nairobi National Park and human encroachment all to blame for numerous sightings of lionesses and hyenas.
With Nairobi National Park being the only park in the world located within a city, this unique dynamic also comes with its fair share of risks, as the chances of human-wildlife conflict are considerably heightened.
One factor which heightens the chances of predators escaping the national park is the rains, which cause prey to migrate to the unfenced southern part of Nairobi National Park. This part neighbours settlements such as Rongai, Kitengela and the wider Kajiado area.
Since predators like lions, hyenas and leopards are attracted by these conditions, they inevitably follow the prey, and eventually stray into human settlements.
"If you spot wildlife in residential areas, please call our 24-7 toll-free number 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp 0726 610 509 immediately. Your quick action helps ensure the safety of both people and wildlife," KWS appealed.
