On April 3, 2024, the Ministry of Environment presented a plan to end the captive lion breeding industry. South Africa has the largest number of captive lions in the world - approximately 7,800 in 348 breeding facilities. The plan includes some steps to achieve this goal, but it will take several years before the wheels stop turning.
The numbers don't lie
Lions in captivity and lion facilities in South Africa
Province | ||
Eastern Cape | 19 | 195 |
131 | 3226 | |
Gauteng | 11 | 98 |
KwaZulu Natal | 2 | 28 |
Limpopo | 55 | 1046 |
Mpumalanga | 6 | 64 |
North West | 93 | 3040 |
Western Cape | 25 | 141 |
Captive predators other than lions
Option no1
The first option will be to support breeders in voluntarily leaving the industry. This includes euthanizing compromised lions, population control through sterilization, removal to safe havens or allowing hunting for two years. Hunting sterilized lions could be a way to monetize euthanasia and offset a flood of court cases by breeders opposed to the proposals. Internationally, the open season on "cheap" lions would be welcomed by hunters, but it will certainly be deeply criticized by animal rights activists and conservation groups.
Possibilities are being explored to burn all stored lion carcasses to prevent illegal trade. In addition, the government will no longer approve permits for the construction of new breeding facilities.
The report
The panel of experts, which produced the comprehensive 250-page report to end the breeding industry in South Africa, was assisted by extensive engagement from public stakeholders.
The report noted that there are other captive carnivores in South Africa, such as tigers and jaguars, and that there was concern that these would replace lions if their breeding was not restricted. The report noted that since the inception of the captive lion industry, multiple regulatory challenges have emerged – ethical, regulatory, conservation and economic. For these reasons, voluntary departure was only the first step in the goal of legally closing the breeding of lions in captivity.
Stricter steps will follow
After the end of the two-year phase-out period, stricter measures will follow for those who do not comply with the regulations. It is crucial that the policy report is effectively translated into law and that concrete timelines are set for a step-by-step approach to ending these unethical and cruel practices.
Dr. Neil D'Cruze
Dr. Neil D'Cruze of World Animal Protection said the report marks some big steps forward. “In particular, the recommendation for the mass incineration of lion bone stockpiles comes as a major relief given concerns that a reintroduction of lion bone exports could boost demand among Asian consumers.”
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