The lion population across Africa has dropped by nearly 97% in the last century, with many reports suggesting that wild lions would be extinct by 2020.
Category: Wild Cats
Big Cats in captivity — Shamwari Diaries: Interval
One topic that I’ve never shied away from on this blog is that of wild animals in captivity. This week, I attempt to untangle the challenges and moral obligation of each of the places that have come to house lions; game reserves, zoos, sanctuaries, lion farms and ‘the wild’,
Shamwari Diaries: Act 3 Scene 5 – The winds of change
In this week’s Shamwari series I encounter storms and forest fires, and ignorantly make my second big animal welfare mistake of the trip.
Big Cat Tales: An unmissable television return of the Maasai Mara’s big cats
Introducing Big Cat Tales, a brand new five-part series following the legendary Marsh Pride of the Maasai Mara, a new coalition of cheetahs and Africa’s most illusive cat; the leopard.
IAPWA launches ‘Claws Out’ film to expose the truth about volunteering with lions in South Africa
Claws Out explores the realities of tourists and gap year students volunteering with lions and lion cubs in South Africa. From cuddling and bottle-feeding cubs to walking with lion experiences; the hard-hitting documentary looks at how these popular tourist activities conceal dark links to the canned hunting industry.
YouthForLions: Breaking the captive lion cycle
The Blood Lions ‘YouthForLions’ team have officially launched a brand new animated clip showing the life cycle of a captive bred lion in South Africa, to create awareness of the canned hunting industry across the globe.
Shamwari Diaries: Act 1, Scene 2 – Regret
This week’s Shamwari Series follows my first weekend in South Africa — and my first big conservation mistake of my trip — being duped into taking part in activities related to the canned hunting industry, as detailed in my travel diaries from 10 years ago.
Shamwari Diaries: Act 1, Scene 1 – Arrival
This week’s Shamwari diaries take a look at 18-year-old me’s first foray into independence and re-living the moment a long term dream came true, when I first stepped foot into Born Free’s big cat sanctuary…
In the heart of Africa: Introducing a new project
My heart was racing and my eyes were fixed. About 10-feet ahead was a wild lioness looking right at me. I wasn’t in a vehicle or behind a fence, but was actually there in the African wild, with nothing between us. It was my first game walk and I knew that moment would never leave me.
The ‘tough as old boots’ conservationist
It’s always nice to take the opportunity to reflect on your journey, and recently the Terra Incognita Wildlife Blogger of the Year competition gave me