The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is phasing out captive lion facilities in the province.

Accordingly, no permits will be issued for the establishment of new captive lion facilities or for the captive breeding and importation of lions from other provinces, which will be progressively phased out.

MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube said the agency supports the national initiatives approved by the South African Cabinet in April 2024, aimed at the responsible, lawful, and humane closure of the captive lion industry.

Advocating for welfare

For over two decades, the National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has challenged the captive lion industry, advocating for the welfare and well-being of thousands of captive lions.

Shungube said all lions currently housed in captive facilities must be managed in accordance with approved animal welfare standards. To support this, MTPA will facilitate access to Ministerial Task Team (MTT) -accredited training for officials, provincial authorities, facility staff, and conservation and animal welfare organisations in the province.

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“The province will maintain rigorous regulatory oversight and strict permitting conditions where wildlife is managed in captive environments, while progressively phasing out captive lion facilities in favour of ethical, conservation-led tourism,” Shungube said.

Fair and ethical conclusion

He added that, through the Voluntary Exit Programme co-ordinated by the MTT, the agency is working constructively with captive lion facility owners to implement the national objective of bringing the industry to an orderly, fair, and ethical conclusion.

During this transition period, the MTPA will ensure that all captive lion facilities in Mpumalanga continue to comply fully with existing legislative and regulatory requirements.

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“This transition presents a significant opportunity to strengthen Mpumalanga’s biodiversity through the expansion of wilderness areas and formally protected nature reserves, while contributing meaningfully to sustainable economic growth and job creation,” Shungube said.