News

South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed in a statement that a recent lion attack in the Thabazimbi area happened in a privately owned animal sanctuary called Marakele Predator Park not Marakele National Park as some media reports had suggested.

According to the park manager, Mphadeni Nthangeni the park has been inundated with calls from visitors enquiring about the incident. “We want to put on record that the incident happened in the predator park situated about two kilometres from Marakele National Park… and it is not managed as part of the national park.”

He said Marakele National Park does not have animals in enclosures for tourist attraction and it is still open for tourist enjoyment. “We would like to wish Mr Mike Hodge the owner of Marakele Predator Park a speedy recovery from his injuries,” concluded Nthangeni.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications
Tel: 012 426 5170

Media Enquiries

Reynold Thakhuli
General Manager: Media, PR & Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 012 426 5170, Mobile: 073 373 4999
Email: [email protected]

Janine Raftopoulos
SANParks Head of Communications
Tel: 012 426 5170, cell: 071 444 3121
Email: [email protected]