More Lion Cub Exploitation
Humans have long been fascinated by wild animals. Unfortunately we are divided into two very distinct camps – those of us who love and respect wild animals and those who seek only to dominate and destroy them. In recent years there has been a growing awareness for the most threatened of our wild animals in every country. In Africa support for elephants – rhinos and lions has been highlighted – while in other countries the plight of wild horses – orangutans – wolves – dolphins – whales – sea turtles – and seals has been growing.
The endangered status of lions has been front and centre this year and with it – a growing awareness of the part played by the appalling canned lion hunting industry. People are easily misled by false advertising from this business and tourists are encouraged to “live their dream” of interacting with lions while on vacation. With growing publicity about the off shoots of the canned lion industry more people are now aware about the deceptive propaganda used to book holiday venues with lions.
We now know to NEVER:
1) Pet lion cubs.
2) Walk with young lions.
3) Pay to volunteer at a lion “sanctuary” who does not explain why the cubs are without their mothers.
Most of these magnificent cats will be dead by the time they are 3 or 4 years old – the victims of a bullet or arrow – murdered by selfish, rich and amoral trophy hunters.
The canned lion industry has now come up with another sure fire money maker. Having lion cubs become part of your wedding celebration. The fact that these clueless, ignorant tourists are not smart enough to ask “where is the mother of the cubs” speaks to the fact that people want the “wild” animal experience and are willing to do anything to have it.
So once again we must create awareness and educate people about this new fad. All these beautiful, sweet cubs will die a cruel and deplorable death and if you have participated in the lion wedding experience then you are directly responsible for animal cruelty and the eventual death of your wedding “prop”.
There are some legitimate lion sanctuaries and if you want to know about the possibilities of visiting one of them – the list below – provided by Chris Mercer is a good place to start:
Kevin Richardson’s Kingdom.
Paul Hart’s Drakenstein Lion Park.
Four Paws’ Lions Rock.
Jurg and Karen Olsen’s Jukani.
So you are never part of lion exploitation – do your homework and book a vacation that is legitimate and lion friendly.
