Furtastic Series Banner

Sylvester the lion was once doomed to die. Now life is looking pretty damn good.

He was captured in a search that cost more than $54,000 before escaping again in March.
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa's wildlife agency says it will relocate a lion that twice escaped from a national park, a reprieve from earlier considerations to kill him — plus he gets two girlfriends at his new home.

Named Sylvester, the lion earned the nickname Spook — Ghost in the Afrikaans language — after escaping from the park and eluding searchers for more than three weeks in 2015. He was captured in a search that cost more than $54,000 before escaping again in March.


You May Also Like

The South African National Parks Tuesday said the lion will be relocated to the vast Addo Elephant National Park, hoping it will bond with two young female lions in an enclosure.

The wildlife agency labelled the cat a "problem animal" and considered euthanizing him after his second escape.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.


Topics Animals

Mashable Potato

More from Furtastic

Recommended For You

Lost your job to AI? See the new sci-fi thriller 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die' for free.
the cast of 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'


'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' cast confesses which apps have them addicted to their phones
Sam Rockwell at the junket for 'Good Luck Have Fun Don't Die"


Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!