The South African National Parks(SANParks) has responded to the widespread condemnation after a pride of lions was euthanised in the Karoo National Park this week.
SANParks spokesperson, Reynold Thakhuli said the decision was not taken in haste or lightly.
Thakhuli said the seven female lions were put down after escaping twice in 24 hours and subsequently endangering humans and livestock.
They had already allegedly killed numerous livestock and sheep, from a neighbouring farm.
He said SANParks had an obligation and a legal duty to respond and mitigate the risks of the pride leaving the Park and placing lives at risk.
Thakhuli added that the option of moving the lions to other state or privately owned reserves that form part of South Africa's lion meta-population was not viable due to their space constraints and the pride's history of catching livestock.
The Karoo National Park now has 14 lions remaining, consisting of three to four groups, with two active satellite collars and VHF monitored collars.
