Have your say / Sê jou sê Should the captive lion industry be banned?

With lions facing near extinction and the constant threat of poaching for their body parts, the industry’s conservation benefits are minimal and highly localised in Africa. In practice, in very few places in Africa does trophy hunting fulfil its conservation mandate. The government is currently considering a ban on the captivity of lions, including commercial use of lions and their products. Do you support making the captive lion industry illegal?

NO! This question doesn’t really make sense. The whole point of having captive animals is to ensure their survival, not to watch them go extinct. How on earth can you expect these animals to stay alive and healthy if they’re not protected and cared for? What’s the plan — drive “out there” yourself to check on them and ward off poachers?
Anonymous Reader

Yes. Banning the captive predator breeding industry is a significant shift in South Africa’s attitude towards utilising its wild animals. Hopefully, we will not easily forget the shame of being forced to dispose of nearly 12,000 lions humanely.
**Sannyboy Makgaka**

No, in my view, the lion captivity industry significantly contributes to South Africa’s economic growth, serving both hunting and tourism sectors. International visitors flock to see the lions, generating substantial revenue for the country. Moreover, some enthusiasts are willing to spend as much as $50,000 to hunt lions. This influx of funds benefits South Africa’s economy considerably.
**Faan Jansen**

PUBLIC POLL: THE RESULTS ARE IN!
Should the captive lion industry be banned?
NO: 86%
YES: 14%

Have your say / Sê jou sê
Should the captive lion industry be banned?

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