‘Take a stand to save our lions’

Lions in South Africa have never faced such intense animal welfare issues as they do today, according to international animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS.

This is why we urge the public to take a stand on this World Lion Day, by committing to bring an end to the industries which are causing intense suffering for the lions in South Africa,” said Fiona Miles, FOUR PAWS country director.

International World Lion Day is celebrated annually on 10 August with an aim of raising awareness on the status of lions and educating communities around the dire situation lion populations find themselves in.

A draft study by the Conservation Research Unit at the University of Oxford estimates there are only around 22 500 wild lions left in Africa and their range covers only 5 percent of their historical area.

Miles said wild lion populations are decreasing, but the number of lions bred in captivity is soaring.

“There are about 3 000 wild lions living in national parks and reserves in South Africa, but between 8 000 and 10 000 lions living in captivity – that in itself raises red flags.

“Often, these breeding facilities separate cubs from their mothers to hand rear them and habituate them to human interaction, before using animal interactions such as cub petting and walking with lions. Once the lions are considered too old for these activities, they are likely to be used for canned hunting or killed for their bones, which are used in traditional medicine. The trade stimulates demand for lion bones and incentivises, illicit trade and poachers to target lions.

• You have the power to end the lion trade

Miles said there’s only one way to stop the trade in lions: By removing all involvement with industries supporting it. This includes activities such as lion petting and walking with lion interactions, which both local and international tourists often take part in without realising the disastrous consequences.

For far too long, these animals have been exploited and subject to severe animal cruelty.

“If you look at the most recent exposés regarding this industry, it’s clear that welfare considerations of these animals are completely disregarded. We hope that on this day, people will stand up against the abuse and join us in taking hands to shut these atrocities down.

“To this end, FOUR PAWS is calling on the public to commit to the Lion Longevity Oath and end all support of activities and interaction with captivate lions and raise awareness of lion trade and canned lion hunting.

The only way to end these atrocities is to end your support of the various elements associated with the industry!

“By taking the oath, you will have an impact by reducing the demand for, and number of lions bred in captivity for these industries.”

The oath also stands as proof to the South African government that urgent change needs to be implemented. To raise your voice on behalf of captive lions, visit https://help.four-paws.org/en-ZA/lion-longevity-oath