In July 2015, seven lions from South Africa were introduced and released in the park, making them the first lions in Rwanda for 15 years. "AndBeyond" donated five lionesses from Phinda Private Game Reserve. and Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal donated two male lions. This effort was described by African Parks as "a ground-breaking conservation effort for both the park and the country" as part of a project aimed at reversing the local extinction of the species in Akagera National Park. Since 2015, the lion population has grown to almost 40 animals and it keeps growing.