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87B7C09D-6FF8-44E3-9EDF-34B9DF3CD74E — SOUTH AFRICA - 9 NOVEMBER 2017: Only a steel fence separates a frustrated female lion from tourists in a wildlife reserve 80 km from Cape Town. About 8000 of the country's lions live in captivity.

Breaking! South Africa Announces Plans To End The Horrific Captive Lion Industry, Including Banning Canned Hunting & The Lion Bone Trade

May 3, 2021

By Lauren Lewis

WAN is thrilled to share the news that South Africa is taking immediate steps to end the controversial and cruel multimillion-dollar captive lion industry. This includes ending the killing of lions held captive for trophy hunting, and ceasing the trade of lion bones.

Minister Barbara Creecy of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) shared the incredible news yesterday in a speech, as well as in a statement posted on the department’s website, noting that the country will “no longer breed captive lions, keep lions in captivity, or use captive lions or their derivatives commercially.”

Horrifically, there are reportedly an estimated 8,000-12,000 lions and thousands of other big cats that are currently being bred and kept in captivity in more than 350 facilities in South Africa.

The decision comes after the release of a report by a panel that the Minister appointed to review policies, regulatory measures, practices, and policy positions in South Africa. The panel focused their review on hunting, trade, captive wildlife, management, and handling of the country’s most vulnerable species.

“It is in this context that the panel envisages ‘secured, restored, and rewilded natural landscapes with thriving populations of elephants, lions, rhinos, and leopards, as indicators for a vibrant, responsible, inclusive, transformed, and sustainable wildlife sector,” stated Minister Creecy.

“This is a monumental victory for captive lions and the future of their species throughout South Africa. Lions at these appalling facilities are born and bred in captivity just to be exploited their entire lives. Sadly, when young, they are used as props in the cub petting industry, and when they’re grown, they are killed in canned hunting for so-called “trophies” or for the lion bone trade,” said Katie Cleary, President and Founder of Peace 4 Animals and WAN. “We are thrilled that the South African government has come to their senses and listened to the countless animal welfare organizations who have been fighting to stop this sickening industry for decades.”

May this be the beginning of more positive news for South Africa and all of its wildlife.

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg

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