Lions, we all know them. Some of us fear them, see them as the "mighty kings", others want to cuddle them and want to have them as pets at home, but there are also some, who do not care. These who do not care are responsible for a trend called "Canned hunting", which is booming in South Africa. Maybe some of you do not know this trend and for those I will explain it. "Canned hunting" makes it possible for hunters or people in general, who enjoys to shoot animals in an enclosed area, such as a game park, to do so.
More than 160 farms breed lions, which are just destined to get killed by tourists out of fun. In addition to that there is another outrageous fact: there are 5,000 lions in captivity in the countries today compared with just 2,000 in the wild and hunters do not care.
Although "canned hunting" is an obvious cruel and brutal thing, it is legal and a great deal of tourists still pay between 5,000 and 25,000 pounds to kill a lion, an innocent living being.
Not to lose hope, there are also some people who fight against this awful, unnecessary and cruel trend, such as animal-rights groups. For example, Fiona Miles, who runs a lion reserve, makes it clear that people need to know more about what is going on. She said that there would be a public outcry, if people would be aware of what the life of a captive-bred lion is actually like. Even some hunting organizations critise "Canned hunting", because it removes the sporting aspect of a hunt. One thing is for certain, canned hunting is still Happening and with everyone looking away it will not change.
Let me hear your opinions about this trend. What do you think about it? What are the pros and cons?How do you think such tragedy could be prevented?
This is so egregious!! It makes me sick how stupid and cruel people can be! It also makes me sad.
ReplyDeleteBut I would love to own my own lion to cuddle. Haha just kidding.
Any plans how to save them, except from joining organisations which protect them?