The captive lion industry in South Africa (SA) includes:
- Lion breeding facilities
- Canned lion hunts
- Selling of lion body parts to places like China
The captive lion industry of SA is highly exploitative and an abuse of lions which treats them worse than livestock. The only lions in SA should be protected in lion reserves/parks, which is the long-term goal. A complete transition then?
A 246-page report has been written by a ministerial task force. It sets out ways to end the captive lion industry of SA. The findings and conclusion are agreed by SA’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Barbara Creecy.
Update the day after I wrote this article
I have a disturbing update for this article. Today, in The Times, there is an article which tells us that South Africa plans to exploit its wildlife because they regard wildlife in Africa as a ‘Rembrandt painting in the attic’, which is under-exploited. They’re going to sell rhino horn powder in shops to Chinese health tourists even though there is absolutely no medicinal benefit in rhino horn because it is keratin, the same material that makes your nails and hair.
Defending the plan, President Ramaphosa said that South Africa’s wildlife is “like Rembrandts lying in the attic. Those need to be brought to life. That is the residual capital that we have that needs to be utilised.”
He wants to utilise South African’s wildlife which means exploiting it. This completely undermines what I have said on this page about stopping the captive line industry. South Africa say that this plan will guard biodiversity and create jobs and boost the economy. Yes, but it will be another nail in the coffin of South African’s wildlife and indeed wider, African wildlife because it tells the world that wildlife on that continent is there to be exploited for commercial gain. It categorically sends the wrong signal and indicates a wrong attitude.
Although I fully understand there is a completely different attitude between South Africans and other African countries and people living in the West. Questioners are observers of the African continent. But when you live in Africa you are bound to have a different attitude and this comes across very strongly. Westerners need to be sensitive to Africa’s attitude to wildlife but then again, the people of Africa need to be sensitive towards the conservation of their precious Rembrandt asset.
Summarising the SA government’s plans to stop lion breeding and canned lion hunts
The South African government has taken significant steps to address the controversial captive lion industry. Here are the key details:
Decision to End Captive Lion Breeding:
In May 2021, Barbara Creecy, the Minister of South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, acknowledged that the captive lion breeding industry did not contribute to conservation and was damaging South Africa’s conservation and tourism reputation.
As a result, the government has decided to stop issuing permits for breeding, keeping, hunting, or interacting with captive-bred lions.
Current breeding permits are also being revoked.
Factors Influencing the Decision:
Public Opposition: Growing public opposition to the industry’s inhumane practices played a role.
Trade in Lion Bones: Concerns about possible links between legal and illegal trade in lion bones.
Disease Transmission: Greater understanding of diseases that captive animals can pass to humans.
Approximately 6,000 to 8,000 captive lions exist in private facilities across South Africa, with estimates suggesting there may be as many as 12,000.
In contrast, there are about 2,000 wild lions in South Africa and an estimated 20,000 continent-wide.
Animal Welfare Advocacy:
Conservationists and animal welfare advocates consider this decision a win.
Thousands of farmed lions are born into a life of misery in South Africa’s commercial breeding facilities.
The government’s commitment to change is seen as a courageous step toward meaningful transformation.
In summary, South Africa’s move to end the captive lion breeding industry aims to protect both conservation efforts and animal welfare. 🦁🌿.
There is a trade out exit clause.
Can you tell me what the ‘trade out exit’ option is in the ending of the captive lion industry in South Africa?
Certainly! In the context of ending the captive lion breeding industry in South Africa, the ‘trade out exit’ option refers to a specific approach during the phase-out period. Here are the details:
Voluntary Exit as the First Step:
The report acknowledges that a voluntary exit should be considered as the initial step in the longer-term government objectives.
It aims to ultimately close down lion breeding facilities and halt the commercial exploitation of lions, including ‘canned’ hunts.
Trade Out Exit:
During the phase-out period, a ‘trade out exit’ allows for specific activities related to lions:
Captive Hunting: Lion farmers may legally conduct canned hunts.
Domestic Trade: The domestic trade in live lions and/or lion skeletons, parts, and derivatives would also be permitted.
This option is intended to manage the transition while ensuring that existing lions are not left in limbo.
Safeguarding Wild Lion Populations:
The report also emphasizes the need to protect wild lion populations.
It recommends measures such as mass-incineration of lion bone stockpiles and rejects the idea of releasing captive-bred lions back into the wild due to risks.
Long-Term Vision:
Ultimately, the goal is to have only ‘safe havens’ for healthy lions, where they receive lifetime care without breeding or interaction with people except for veterinary needs.
In summary, the ‘trade out exit’ balances the transition from captive lion breeding to a more humane future while addressing various complexities. 🦁.
RELATED: South Africa’s 8,000-12,000 farmed lions are diseased and a potential risk to human health
How will existing lion breeders respond to these changes?
Existing lion breeders are likely to respond to the changes in various ways, influenced by their individual circumstances, perspectives, and business interests. Here are some potential reactions:
- Resistance and Frustration:
- Some breeders may resist the changes, especially if their livelihoods depend on captive lion breeding.
- They might express frustration, arguing that their investments and businesses are being adversely affected.
- Adaptation and Transition:
- Forward-thinking breeders may recognize the need for change and adapt their practices.
- They might explore alternative avenues, such as transitioning to other forms of wildlife conservation or ecotourism.
- Legal Challenges:
- Some breeders may challenge the government’s decisions legally.
- They might seek injunctions or lobby for policy revisions to protect their interests.
- Exploring New Markets:
- Breeders could explore international markets where captive lion hunting is still legal.
- They might attempt to export lions or lion parts to countries with different regulations.
- Diversification:
- Breeders with diverse interests might shift their focus to other exotic animals or wildlife-related ventures.
- They could diversify their offerings to include educational programs, wildlife photography, or guided tours.
- Collaboration with Conservationists:
- Some breeders may collaborate with conservation organizations.
- They might participate in efforts to rehabilitate captive lions or contribute to wild lion conservation.
- Public Relations Efforts:
- Breeders might engage in public relations campaigns to shape public opinion.
- They could emphasize their commitment to animal welfare or highlight their conservation efforts.
- Closure and Retirement:
- A portion of breeders may choose to close their facilities altogether.
- They might retire from the industry, especially if they lack viable alternatives.
In summary, the responses will vary, but the changes will undoubtedly impact the captive lion breeding community. 🦁🌿.
RELATED: Britain, supposedly a land of animal lovers, is facilitating the boom in canned lion hunting
How can South Africa support affected breeders during this transition?
Certainly! As South Africa navigates the transition away from captive lion breeding, supporting affected breeders is crucial. Here are some ways the government and other stakeholders can provide assistance:
- Financial Compensation and Grants:
- Establish a compensation fund specifically for lion breeders who voluntarily exit the industry.
- Offer grants or subsidies to help breeders transition to alternative livelihoods, such as ecotourism, wildlife rehabilitation, or conservation education.
- Skills Training and Education:
- Provide training programs to help breeders acquire new skills relevant to other wildlife-related professions.
- Offer workshops on wildlife management, tour guiding, or sustainable agriculture.
- Market Access and Networking:
- Facilitate connections between breeders and potential buyers or investors in related fields.
- Create platforms for breeders to showcase their expertise and explore new opportunities.
- Rehabilitation of Lions:
- Collaborate with breeders to ensure the ethical treatment and care of existing lions.
- Support efforts to rehabilitate captive lions, especially those that cannot be released into the wild.
- Psychological and Emotional Support:
- Acknowledge the emotional impact on breeders during this transition.
- Offer counseling services or support groups to address stress, anxiety, and grief related to business changes.
- Research and Data Collection:
- Invest in research to understand the full impact of the transition on breeders and their communities.
- Collect data on the economic, social, and psychological effects to inform future policies.
- Collaboration with NGOs and Conservationists:
- Partner with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and conservation groups.
- Leverage their expertise to guide breeders toward sustainable alternatives.
- Clear Communication and Transparency:
- Ensure that breeders are well-informed about policy changes, timelines, and available support.
- Maintain open channels of communication to address concerns and questions.
Remember that a compassionate and holistic approach is essential to minimize the negative effects on breeders while prioritizing conservation and animal welfare. 🦁🌿.
What are some success stories of breeders transitioning to ecotourism?
Certainly! Let’s explore some success stories of breeders transitioning to ecotourism:
- Knepp Estate (United Kingdom):
- Knepp Estate is one of the most famous rewilding projects in Britain.
- Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree transformed the estate from traditional farming to a thriving wildland over the past 20 years.
- Their nature tourism business now includes wild safaris, camping, glamping, and a shop.
- With a turnover of around £800,000 per year and a 22% profit margin (£190,000), Knepp’s ecotourism venture has been remarkably successful.
- By diversifying into ecotourism, Knepp Estate outperformed average rural estates in England and the southeast region.
- Sunart Oakwoods Initiative (Scotland):
- The Sunart Oakwoods Initiative aims to create and re-establish native woodlands across 2500 square miles.
- These woodlands provide opportunities for ecotourism activities such as walking, cycling, wildlife hides, and canoeing.
- The initiative also focuses on training, employing, and housing local people, contributing to sustainable tourism.
- Global Impact:
- Sustainable tourism initiatives worldwide are preserving incredible sites for future generations.
- By embracing ecotourism, these projects ensure that natural wonders remain alive for another 1,000 years.
- Collaboration between breeders, conservationists, and local communities plays a vital role in achieving this vision.
These success stories demonstrate that ecotourism can be both environmentally beneficial and economically viable. 🌿🌍.
