In a joint scientific study published in 2022, Blood Lions and World Animal Protection identified a major research gap that exposes the lack of welfare studies that focus on captive lions housed on commercial farms in South Africa. The welfare challenges identified in our research were all associated with captive lions in facilities such as zoos, wildlife parks and sanctuaries across the globe.
With between 8,000-10,000 lions in captivity in South Africa and the absence of scientific welfare studies on the industry, we are completely in the dark in terms of the extent of some of the welfare issues we are dealing with. In our researchers’ review of more than 90 peer-reviewed scientific papers, more than 170 physical and psychological conditions were identified.
What does this mean for captive lions?
And what can we do about it?
Lion Welfare Research
Read the original peer-reviewed article about Welfare Concerns associated with Captive Lions.
Support our Open Letter to
South African Ministers
Blood Lions and World Animal Protection ask the public to urge the South African Government to finally prioritize the welfare and well-being of captive lions.
We urge Honourable Ministers Creecy [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)] and Didiza [Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)] to keep the pressure on the progress of the upcoming legislative changes, as justice delayed is justice denied for the thousands of lions and other big cats currently trapped in this cruel industry.
Sign this petition to support our Open Letter to South African Ministers Creecy and Didiza.
Read our Open Letter to Ministers Creecy and Didiza HERE.