South Africa is banning the breeding of lions in captivity for hunting or being petted by tourists. In this way, they will advocate to preserve species such as lions, elephants, rhinos and other endangered animals. However, it is possible that this decision (which has not yet been made) causes disagreements in the government, as the lion breeding industry reaches millionaire figures.
Hunting, highly controversial in South Africa
The practice of raising lions in captivity (for later hunting) has been controversial for many years in South Africa. In fact, most of these animals are confined in pens surrounded by electric fences.
Thus, campaigns to ban the breeding of lions for trophy hunting have gained momentum in recent years, especially in the United States, Australia and various European countries.
Caged animals
South Africa has between 8,000 and 12,000 lions on about 350 farms where they are raised for hunting, tourism and academic research, according to estimates from wildlife groups. They are also bred for their bones, as these are used in medicine and jewelry in Southeast Asia.
In contrast, according to the Endangered Wildlife Trust (which is based in South Africa) only 3,500 lions live in the wild in the country. The government’s decision has been applauded worldwide, especially by animal rights organizations such as World Animal Protection, who described the measure as courageous. “Thousands of farm lions are born into a life of squalor in South Africa in cruel commercial farms,” argued Edith Kabesiime, a researcher at the World Animal Protection organization.
Without a doubt, this is a victory for wildlife that will ensure that lions belong where they belong – that is, in the wild.
Rhinos, also at risk
Now, the different animal groups (and the government) are fighting to gradually eliminate the breeding of rhinoceroses in captivity.
South Africa is home to 80% of the world’s rhino population, which is why poachers have been flocking to the country for a long time. It also has more than 300 private rhinoceros breeders, who also breed these animals for trophy hunting.
