Demands to close down South Africa’s captive lion industry

The commercial breeding of lions in South Africa has come under scrutiny in a new Nature Conservation paper that calls for the industry to be shut down. With an estimated 8,000–12,000 lions and other big cats being bred and kept in captivity in over 350 private facilities across the country, concerns have been raised about the welfare of these animals and the practices being carried out.

Researchers from World Animal Protection conducted interviews at closed-access lion facilities in South Africa’s North West Province and uncovered disturbing practices. These included involvement in the illegal international trade of lion and tiger bones, animal welfare violations such as malnutrition and lack of clean water, illegal hunting practices like drugging animals and hunting them within small enclosures, and unsafe working conditions for workers.

Lead researcher Angie Elwin emphasized the troubling reality of South Africa’s captive lion industry, where legal activities are being exploited to facilitate illegal trade, leading to serious animal welfare violations and unsafe conditions for workers. Urgent action is needed to protect both lions and people from these harmful practices.

Commercial captive breeding and canned trophy hunting were initially intended to alleviate hunting pressure on wild populations. However, these practices have raised ethical and conservation concerns, leading to calls for the industry to be shut down.

Senior researcher Neil D’Cruze highlighted the legal loopholes that allow for the commercial captive breeding and canned hunting of lions in South Africa, despite the export of lion skeletons being declared unconstitutional by the High Court in 2019. The South African government announced its intention to halt the domestication and exploitation of lions and ultimately close all captive lion facilities in the country in 2021, but these facilities remain legal today.

The study makes key recommendations to the South African government, including conducting a full audit of the industry to ensure compliance with regulations, implementing a moratorium on lion breeding to prevent further growth of the captive lion population, and developing a time-bound strategic plan to phase out the industry. Without stringent enforcement and a comprehensive plan, the commercial captive lion industry will continue to pose legal, animal cruelty, and conservation concerns.

In conclusion, the commercial breeding of lions in South Africa is a contentious issue that requires immediate action to protect the welfare of these animals and ensure the conservation of wild populations. The findings of the study highlight the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to end the controversial captive lion industry and prevent further harm to these majestic creatures.