In an attempt to control the lion population at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a veterinarian has launched an innovative medical procedure that halves the number of cubs born to each lioness.
Unilateral hysterectomies were performed last month on three lionesses introduced to iSimangaliso from Tembe Elephant Park.
The operation is done through a small midline abdominal incision which is then stitched and glued, allowing healing to occur naturally.
Veterinarian Mike Toft said the technique has shown good results in previous cases.
Lionesses operated on two years ago have one or two cubs as opposed to a litter of four to five.
Conservation manager Eduard Goosen said satellite tracking showed the lionesses have since joined a group of younger lions.