Local supporters of the global Blood Lions campaign, which endeavours to end canned hunting and all exploitative tourism activities using predators, will be pleased to know that the docufilm of the same name has just won two major African Responsible Tourism Awards.

Announced at the annual gala awards event held in Cape Town on April 20, Blood Lions walked away as winner in the category Best Responsible Tour ism Campaign, and was then declared joint overall winner, along with Coffee Shack Backpackers, of the coveted main Responsible Tourism Award 2017.

Plett resident and campaign leader Ian Michler, who is the special consultant and lead character in the awardwinning documentary, said these awards would hopefully bring greater awareness to issues around responsible and ethical tourism.

“These are words used far ‘Blood Lions‘ wins two major awards too loosely in the marketing material of so many operations. I call on all Garden Route residents and visitors to the region to do their research before they consider visiting any facility that keeps wildlife in captivity, especially so if they allow animal interaction activities,” said Michler.