This is an excerpt from an article published online by TRT World on 03 May, 2021

South Africa will clamp down on breeding of the animals in captivity after a review panel concluded the industry risked the conservation of wild lions and harmed tourism, environment minister says.

South Africa has revealed plans to ban the breeding of lions in captivity for trophy hunting or for tourists to pet, advocating a more “authentic” experience for visitors.

The decision was in response to recommendations contained in a government study into the controversial practice.

The panel studied the rules governing the hunting, trade and keeping in captivity of lions, elephants, rhino and leopards.

Environment Minister Barbara Creecy told a news conference on Sunday that the study recommended a halt to the “domestication of lions through captive breeding and keeping. “

“We don’t want captive breeding, captive hunting, captive (cubs) petting, captive use of lions,” the minister said.