It’s time to look beyond the moral debate of whether trophy hunting should exist, and instead look ahead to the viable alternative ways to bring
Category: Lions
Forgotten Ukraine lions finally out of lockdown
After years of cruel abuse and months of delays following their rescue in Ukraine, three lions have been given a new chance at life through being relocated to a sanctuary in South Africa.
Beginning of the end canned lion hunting
South Africa’s Environment Minister Barbara Creecy, spelled out a new direction for the country and its efforts to conserve some of the world’s most iconic species this past weekend, by tackling the controversial issue of captive-lion breeding.
Facebook group rallies to free forgotten lions in Ukraine
Once in a while you hear a story that demonstrates the positive power of social media – and in this case, a network of strangers passionate about lions came together online to help give four lions the chance of a new life.
The last of the lions? Lessons from Meru
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.
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’,
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.