By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Authorities have urged residents of Nairobi to remain cautious and exercise vigilance following the escape of three lions from the park.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in a statement on Thursday said the lions roaming the streets were last seen around Lang’ata Women’s Prison.
“Last evening, Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) received reports of the three lions allegedly sighted near Langata’s women prison in Nairobi,” KWS said in the advisory.
Despite mobilizing its Problem Animal Control team to track down the dangerous animals, KWS is yet to record success.
“The team conducted a thorough search of the area throughout the night. Despite their efforts, no lions were found. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Ensuring the safety of the public is our top priority,” said KWS.
“We urge residents to stay vigilant and report any wildlife sightings to the KWS 24-hour hotline number 0800 597 000 or Whatsapp 0726610509 for immediate intervention.”
Heritage Times HT recalls that In 2016, six lions escaped from the Nairobi National Park into the same Lang’ata, a residential suburb in the capital Nairobi.
Also in 2019, a herder was killed by a roaming lion in the city.
According to KWS, Kenya’s Nairobi National Park is the only national park that exists within a capital city in the world.
Established in 1946, it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species, it says.