A lioness prowling along the desolate Namibian coastline spots a seal packed with enough nutrients and energy to sustain her for the next few days. Hungry and desperate, she creeps nearer, crouching in some reeds to hide her presence. Just before she launches her final attack, she spots a fisherman standing with his back to her, oblivious to the danger.
Contrary to popular belief, healthy lions have no desire to fight with humans. The lioness retreats to a safe distance, still hidden by the reeds, and waits until nightfall when the fisherman goes back to camp and she can continue hunting. Lions and fishermen sharing the same coastline can be dangerous, however, for both sides.
In this case, the lioness had a satellite collar fitted to track her movements and help prevent dangerous encounters. She spent at least half of the fishing season period (1 December 2022 to 31 January 2023) around the Torra Bay Campsite, yet without coming into conflict with the fishermen. This success story is largely due to the efforts of Dr. Philip Stander and his research team working alongside the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT).
Fishing with lions: How anglers and lions share the Skeleton Coast
Contrary to popular belief, healthy lions have no desire to fight with humans. The lioness retreats to a safe distance, still hidden by the reeds, and waits until nightfall when the fisherman goes back to camp and she can continue hunting. Lions and fishermen sharing the same coastline can be dangerous, however, for both sides.
In this case, the lioness had a satellite collar fitted to track her movements and help prevent dangerous encounters. She spent at least half of the fishing season period (1 December 2022 to 31 January 2023) around the Torra Bay Campsite, yet without coming into conflict with the fishermen. This success story is largely due to the efforts of Dr. Philip Stander and his research team working alongside the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT).
Fishing with lions: How anglers and lions share the Skeleton Coast