“Despite the conservation claims being made, it is commonly accepted by leading wildlife and scientific authorities around the world that this industry has nothing to do with conservation” – Nicola Gerrard, Blood Lions.
Blood Lions has been shining a spotlight on the canned lion hunting industry in South Africa.
The alleged cruel realities of this industry, which breeds lions for hunting, was highlighted at the Blood Lions presentation by campaign director, Nicola Gerrard during the conservation groups fundraising dinner at Kathmandu restaurant last Thursday.
Launched in 2015, the Blood Lions global campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness around this issue. About 200 facilities across South Africa breed lions for canned hunting.
Their acclaimed film, “Blood Lions”, follows environmental journalist and safari operator Ian Michler and American hunter, Rick Swazey, on their journey to uncover the realities of the multi-million dollar predator breeding and canned lion hunting industries in South Africa.
Canned hunting, by definition, is when predators are bred in cages or confined areas specifically for hunting.
South Africa is considered the top destination for trophy hunting for good reason.
About 800 captive-bred lions are killed in South Africa annually, mostly by wealthy international hunters under conditions that are considered anything but sporting.
“Ian has been following this story since 1999, and the film shows him going into these breeding farms to witness the impact that decades of intensive breeding is having on captive lions and other predators,” explained Gerrard.
The film shows how lucrative it is to breed lions and how the authorities and most professional hunting and tourism bodies have become complicit in allowing the industry to flourish.
“Despite the conservation claims being made, it is commonly accepted by leading wildlife and scientific authorities around the world that this industry has nothing to do with conservation,” said Gerrard.
Read More: https://northcoastcourier.co.za/135351/the-shame-behind-canned-lion-hunting/