Canned lion hunting activists campaign in Ballito

Blood Lions has been shining a spotlight on the canned lion hunting industry in South Africa.

The alleged cruel realities of this industry, which breeds lions for hunting, was highlighted at the Blood Lions presentation by campaign director, Nicola Gerrard during the conservation groups fundraising dinner at Kathmandu restaurant last Thursday.

Launched in 2015, the Blood Lions global campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness around this issue. About 200 facilities across South Africa breed lions for canned hunting.

Their acclaimed film, “Blood Lions”, follows environmental journalist and safari operator Ian Michler and American hunter, Rick Swazey, on their journey to uncover the realities of the multi-million dollar predator breeding and canned lion hunting industries in South Africa.

Canned hunting, by definition, is when predators are bred in cages or confined areas specifically for hunting.

South Africa is considered the top destination for trophy hunting for good reason.

About 800 captive-bred lions are killed in South Africa annually, mostly by wealthy international hunters under conditions that are considered anything but sporting.

“Ian has been following this story since 1999, and the film shows him going into these breeding farms to witness the impact that decades of intensive breeding is having on captive lions and other predators,” explained Gerrard.

The film shows how lucrative it is to breed lions and how the authorities and most professional hunting and tourism bodies have become complicit in allowing the industry to flourish.

“Despite the conservation claims being made, it is commonly accepted by leading wildlife and scientific authorities around the world that this industry has nothing to do with conservation,” said Gerrard.

Studies have proven that unless the animals are under the supervision of scientists and conservationists, breeding predators in cages or enclosed areas has no conservation value.

In South Africa, there has not been a successful lion reintroduction program with captive-bred lions, and many conservationists have warned that captive-bred lions are not suitable for reintroduction into the wild.

Gerrard explained how the Blood Lions team have addressed both the Australian and European parliaments and have informed conservationists and scientists around the world on this cruel and inhumane practice.

Following their visit, Australia was the first country to ban the import of lion trophies and body parts into their country.

“South African decision makers need to urgently address the legislative gaps around this cruel practice and completely outlaw canned lion hunting,” Gerrard concluded.

Find out more about the impact of canned hunting and the predator breeding industry, by watching the documentary, Blood Lions, which is now available on Showmax. For more information visit the Blood Lions website or email info@bloodlions.org.

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