UPDATE: Casper the white lion is roaring well and free of anthrax
In its latest press release, South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson JP Louw confirmed that Casper the white lion is not infected with anthrax, after a photo of him with a swollen face was shared on the 'Latest Sightings – Kruger' Facebook group.
ALSO READ: Casper the Kruger white lion being treated for possible anthrax
'SANParks confirms that Casper was located and examined, resulting in anthrax and a snake bite being ruled out,' Louw said.
Louw added that Casper is in good condition, but had injuries above his right eye and in his mouth, likely from being bitten by another lion.
'These injuries are also the cause of the infection and swelling of his face,' he explained.
Casper is between 11 and 12 years old and one of two remaining males from a coalition of four brothers, two of whom have died.
12:45pm
1 Lion on the move
'Casper the lion was looking really bad yesterday and when we saw him later in the day it looked like the field rangers were working on him. Then on our way back today we saw him again walking a lot better.'
H1-4, 10km N of Satara
5/5
Tinged by Vicki… pic.twitter.com/5nTGsAIdZW
— Kruger Sightings (@LatestKruger) August 14, 2025
SANParks said the coalition has been taken over by two younger, stronger males in the Satara area.
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IOL News
2 days ago
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Wildlife enthusiasts relieved as Casper the white lion is pawsitively thriving after health woes
Casper the white lion from the Kruger National Park was spotted in a terrible condition prompting intervention following public outcry. Image: Facebook The online safari community breathed a sigh of relief after hearing that Casper, the iconic white lion of Kruger National Park, is ageing well, despite recent health scares. Initially, a video circulated on social media showing a worrying sight of Casper near Satara, with a notably swollen face. Many who had followed his journey since his first sighting in 2014 expressed their heartache. 'It's heartbreaking to see him like this,' read a post from Latest Sightings Kruger, a popular platform for wildlife enthusiasts. Casper's condition raised immediate concerns among field rangers and the public alike. 'Casper the lion was looking really bad yesterday,' a witness reported. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Thankfully, by later observations, it appeared that Casper was recovering. 'He was looking a lot better!' they added enthusiastically, offering hope to onlookers. In a bid to safeguard Casper's well-being, rangers initially feared he might be suffering from anthrax. He was swiftly darted and treated, only for tests to reveal that anthrax was not the culprit. 'We hope the treatment goes well and that Casper makes a recovery,' said another Latest Sightings update, reflecting the community's hope for his healing. The supportive comments flooded in. Gerda Flute expressed her well-wishes, stating, 'Heal well, majestic one.' Heidi Wearing highlighted the importance of conservation, urging more help for other lions in need. Vaughan Milligan praised the intervention, applauding SANParks for stepping in at the right time. Following the wave of public concern, South African National Parks (SANParks) issued an update confirming Casper's health status. They ruled out both anthrax and snake bites as causes of his swelling. Instead, they reported injuries above his right eye and in his mouth, likely from a fight with another lion, which had resulted in an infection. Casper, now 11 years old, is considered an elder and one of two remaining males from a once-strong coalition of four brothers. Described as a unique sight due to the recessive gene causing his white fur, Casper has become an emblem of the park and a cherished resident for those who visit. His condition has not just sparked concern but evoked appreciation for the resilience of this majestic creature, now navigating the challenges of his twilight years.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
SANParks gives latest update on Casper the white lion's condition
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that 'Casper', the well-known white lion frequently seen near Satara Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, is alive and in good condition following public concerns over his health. Social media posts earlier this week raised alarm over Casper's appearance, with speculation that he might be suffering from anthrax or a snake bite, prompting calls for intervention from park authorities. In response, SANParks officials located and assessed the 11-year-old lion. According to a formal statement, both anthrax and snakebite have been ruled out after a physical examination. 'Casper has some injuries above his right eye and in his mouth, likely sustained during a confrontation with another lion. 'These wounds led to visible facial swelling and an infection, which sparked public concern,' SANParks said. Casper is considered an elder lion, now 11 going on 12 years old, and is one of two surviving brothers from a once-dominant coalition of four males in the Satara region. The coalition has since been usurped by younger, stronger males, a natural progression in lion hierarchy. Casper's distinctive white fur is the result of a recessive gene, not albinism, and has made him one of the most sought-after sightings for tourists visiting Kruger National Park. His rarity and majestic presence have earned him an almost mythical status among wildlife enthusiasts. SANParks has reassured the public that Casper is being monitored and does not currently require any intervention. Officials also thanked the public for their concern and ongoing interest in the well-being of Kruger's wildlife. 'While we appreciate the care shown, it's important to remember that Kruger is a wild environment where natural dynamics, including injury and aging, are part of the ecosystem,' SANParks added. Visitors are encouraged to continue reporting sightings of Casper and other wildlife through official channels. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
UPDATE: Casper the white lion is roaring well and free of anthrax
UPDATE: Casper the white lion is roaring well and free of anthrax In its latest press release, South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson JP Louw confirmed that Casper the white lion is not infected with anthrax, after a photo of him with a swollen face was shared on the 'Latest Sightings – Kruger' Facebook group. ALSO READ: Casper the Kruger white lion being treated for possible anthrax 'SANParks confirms that Casper was located and examined, resulting in anthrax and a snake bite being ruled out,' Louw said. Louw added that Casper is in good condition, but had injuries above his right eye and in his mouth, likely from being bitten by another lion. 'These injuries are also the cause of the infection and swelling of his face,' he explained. Casper is between 11 and 12 years old and one of two remaining males from a coalition of four brothers, two of whom have died. 12:45pm 1 Lion on the move 'Casper the lion was looking really bad yesterday and when we saw him later in the day it looked like the field rangers were working on him. Then on our way back today we saw him again walking a lot better.' H1-4, 10km N of Satara 5/5 Tinged by Vicki… — Kruger Sightings (@LatestKruger) August 14, 2025 SANParks said the coalition has been taken over by two younger, stronger males in the Satara area.
