Lion-bumping incident in South Africa 'dealt with at highest level'

A motorist who bumped a lion with his vehicle over the weekend, seemingly to clear the animal from a road in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, has apparently been disciplined.

“Please note that the incident of a vehicle bumping a lioness has been dealt with,” South African National Parks announced Monday via X. “Action was implemented as soon as we were alerted of the incident.”

A day earlier, after viewing the accompanying footage, SanParks promised the incident would be “dealt with at the highest level.”

The agency, however, has not provided details about the individual or possible disciplinary measures.

The footage, shared by Lion Lovers, shows the seemingly impatient motorist rolling into the startled lion from behind.

Lion Lovers tagged SanParks in its post – the vehicle’s license plate is visible in the footage – and several in the comments thread demanded that the motorist be banned from the park.

“Disgusting behavior,” one follower complained.

“Hard to watch,” another stated.

The incident occurred during a traffic jam caused by lions lounging on a highway. Lion jams typically attract tourists eager to view and photograph the animals, but most do so respectfully.

Kruger National Park is billed as the “flagship of the South African National Parks” and tourists are allowed on its roads as long as they remain in their vehicles.

Animals always have the right of way and motorists are required to exercise extreme caution. Any action that alters an animal’s behavior – such as bumping it with a vehicle – can be considered illegal harassment.