Earlier this month, a new report approved by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment spotlighted guidelines to end captive lion breeding—a positive start! Now, Big Cat activists are weighing in on how to get the ball of change rolling even faster:
Cape Town, South Africa (18 April 2024) — The South African Government’s Cabinet has approved the revised Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros for implementation—what could be a big win for our wildlife. Additionally, the Ministerial Task Team’s report released a few days later, highlighted important guidelines to captive lion breeding in our country. But, as many of us might be wondering, what happens now, and what about the other Big Cats?
Director at animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, Fiona Miles, along with other conservation leaders and experts recently shared insight into the decades-long development of the captive lion breeding industry, the legislatives processes leading up to the recent developments and advice to help get the ball of change rolling even faster.
Says Fiona:
“FOUR PAWS commends the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment for these announcements and reiterating the intention to close the captive lion industry. However, we are concerned that unless there is a timeline with time bound specific goals and a government published roadmap or implementation plan, this process may become laborious and drawn out, counteracting the justification towards an urgent need for action.”
Things to Know About the Plight of Big Cats in SA
- According to FOUR PAWS, the captive lion breeding industry has proliferated uncontrolled for almost 35 years for commercial purposes. They share that it has had no conservation benefit and has harmed the country’s reputation.
- The organisation adds that, per a commissioned survey, 94% of South Africans agree that big cats should be better protected by the country’s laws and regulations and 68% agree that South Africa’s reputation is damaged because of the export of captive big cats, their parts, and derivatives.
- They add that South Africa has the biggest number of captive lions in the world, with some estimates of approximately 12,000 animals.
A Call for Change
While the recent report is a strong starting point from a national perspective, FOUR PAWS is urging the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to take action in the following ways:
- Publish a government implementation plan, including time-bound specific goals to follow up on Cabinet-approved policy position to end the captive keeping of lions for commercial purposes and close captive lion facilities.
- Include all big cat species in the implementation plan. Due to a global convergence in the legal commercial trade and illegal trade of big cats and their parts, the rationale for closing the lion industry applies to all big cat species.
Other Big Cat and animal activists like World Animal Protection and Blood Lions, share similar views in the sense that “firm and committed timelines” are key.
FOUR PAWS adds that it is ready to support the Government’s implementation of the progressive recommendations of the Ministerial Task Team’s Report with time-bound deadlines through, amongst others:
- Making available space at their sanctuary for South African lions that may be confiscated through law enforcement activities or surrendered as part of the voluntary exit.
- Supporting the establishment of new true sanctuaries.
- Supporting in the transitioning of facilities that may wish to change their business models to that of conservation and education, through improving animal welfare standards for the current animals and not acquiring more into captivity, investigating alternative energy and other sustainable practises.
- Mass sterilisation of healthy animals to prevent further breeding.
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