Category: 2017

Cape Town – Despite a global move to end the trade in lion bones and parts – for both captive and wild lions – South Africa remains thick-skinned to outlawing the inhumane captive lion industry and these animals’ exploitation and suffering.

Now, a decision to allow export of 800 captive-bred lion skeletons from South Africa is coming under fire from Humane Society International (HSI) and the producer of the film Blood Lions.

On Thursday, 19 January, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, which is the Scientific Authority to the Department of Environmental Affairs, announced its recommendation to institute an annual export quota of 800 captive-bred lion skeletons, traded in large part for use in traditional medicine to southeast Asian countries like Lao PDR, Vietnam and Thailand.

In response to this, the HSI and Blood Lions slammed the DEA saying, “The decision to make this recommendation was made prior to public consultation and without the appropriate scientific basis required under South Africa’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora”.

According to the most recent CITES CoP17 declaration, bones and parts from wild lions are not allowed to be traded for commercial purposes. For captive lions, it remains a free-for-all.

The distinguishing between wild and captive lions in the CITES CoP17 declaration leaves a loophole, as it is impossible to tell the difference between wild or captive bred lion bones, and lions.

SEE: Trophy hunting: SA’s captive-bred lions and the burden of conservation proof

Nonetheless, the DEA has now opened a two-week comment period – ending on 2 February 2017 – to collect input on the recommended quota for exportation of the 800 skeletons.

It’s a contrasting move considering that only one day before, the DEA embarked on a biodiversity compliance awareness drive with muti traders and traditional healers, in a bid to curb the trade in endangered animal parts.

SEE: DEA set to take action as SA muthi market complaints spike

Still, lions, and many other species, are being traded legally and illegally in SA.

The Humane Society International and Blood Lions therefore pleaded with the DEA to establish a zero export quota for the lions, “thereby suspending trade in captive-bred lion parts given the absence of scientific evidence that such trade is not detrimental to the survival of wild lions, as required for export under CITES,” they say.

“The captive breeding of lions for the purpose of killing them to supply the bone trade is ethically unacceptable and seriously harms South Africa’s global image”.

At the recent CITES CoP17 held in Johannesburg in October last year, it was said that African lions are critically endangered, with an estimated 20 000 lions left in the wild.

Nine African nations, namely Niger, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria and Togo wanted to raise protection for lions by uplisting them to Appendix I, the maximum level of protection.

The move was intended to end the lion bone trade.

SEE: #ShockWildlifeTruths: Lions fail to get uplisted at CITES CoP17

South Africa, unfortunately, did not add their weight to this decision but opted rather stick to the current Appendix II listed which distinguishes between captive and wild lions – even though it is impossible to tell the difference between captive or wild lion bones and parts.

No good end to SA’s notorious captive lion industry

The DEA’s recommendation to export the 800 lion skeletons comes at a time when South Africa’s notorious lion breeding industry – that includes cub petting, lion walks, canned lion hunting – is under spotlight.

According to Blood Lions, the South African government will permit lion skeletons to be sourced from the natural deaths of captive-bred lions, from lions which have been euthanised, as well as remains of lions trophy hunted by South African and international hunters.

It’s has been a dilemma for lion breeders for some time. While the controversy over whether lion hunting and breeding continue, lion farmers are struggling to feed and/or sell the animals and the animals are the sole victims of a botched, inhumane practice to start with.

Considering this, euthanasia of the remaining lions in captivity may seem like a viable option… But the fact remains: When the bones are sold, and there is financial value in keeping captive lions, killing them and exporting their remains, the practice will continue.

SEE: #ShockWildlifeTruths: Captive bred lions will forever be victims of the hunting industry

Audrey Delsink, executive director of the Africa office for Humane Society International, sums up the DEA’s feeble attempt at ending lion trade when he says, “The Department of Environmental Affair’s decision to support the trade in lion parts is misguided and shameful. Breeding captive lions is not only cruel and goes against the global shift against captive wildlife, but South Africa’s captive-bred lion bone trade is a potential threat to wild lions.

“Conservation efforts must focus on protecting lions in the wild, and not prop up facilities where they are bred for slaughter and canned hunting.

READ: Con or conservation: 6 Critical questions to ask about wildlife sanctuaries

“Unless research proves otherwise, caution must prevail and trade in these parts must be completely suspended given South Africa’s commitments under international law.”

Pippa Hankinson, producer of Blood Lions, agrees. She says, “Blood Lions is deeply concerned by this announcement from the South African government. The quota appears to lack the requisite scientific basis, and there has been no apparent consideration of proper welfare or conservation protocols. South Africa has shown complete disregard for the overwhelming response by key global conservation leaders calling for the ‘termination of captive lion breeding for commercial, non-conservation purposes and the hunting of captive-bred lions (Panthera leo) and other predators’ at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in September last year.

“In addition, this shocking industry is already adversely affecting Brand South Africa. We urge the public to call for a suspension of trade in captive lions and their bones, and to bring an end to the captive lion breeding and canned hunting industry.”

The South African government estimates are that there are approximately 6 000 captive African lions in South Africa, bred for various economic purposes. However, other experts reveal the number is likely closer to 8 000.

The 2015 film Blood Lions exposed the true nature of the lion breeding industry in South Africa, revealing poor living conditions, false pretences under which breeders contract volunteers to care for the animals, misleading information provided to tourists about the conservation benefit of lion breeding, and lack of appropriate regulation.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (19 January 2017)—A decision to allow export of 800 captive-bred lion skeletons from South Africa is coming under fire from Humane Society International and the producer of the film Blood Lions.

Yesterday the South African National Biodiversity Institute, which is the scientific authority to the Department of Environmental Affairs, announced its recommendation to institute an annual export quota of 800 captive-bred lion skeletons, traded in large part for use in traditional medicine to southeast Asian countries like Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. The decision to make this recommendation was made prior to public consultation and without the appropriate scientific basis required under South Africa’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The DEA has now opened a two week comment period – ending on 2 February, 2017 – to collect input on the recommended quota.

Humane Society International and Blood Lions strongly urge the DEA to establish a zero export quota, thereby suspending trade in captive-bred lion parts given the absence of scientific evidence that such trade is not detrimental to the survival of wild lions, as required for export under CITES. The captive breeding of lions for the purpose of killing them to supply the bone trade is ethically unacceptable and seriously harms South Africa’s global image.

The decision follows an ongoing controversy about South Africa’s lion breeding industry that promotes cub petting, lion walks, canned lion hunting, while practicing euthanasia to supply lion bone and other parts.

The South African government will permit lion skeletons to be sourced from the natural deaths of captive-bred lions and also from lions euthanized, as well as remains of lions trophy-hunted by South African and international hunters.

Audrey Delsink, executive director of the Africa office for Humane Society International, said “The Department of Environmental Affair’s decision to support the trade in lion parts is misguided and shameful. Breeding captive lions is not only cruel and goes against the global shift against captive wildlife, but South Africa’s captive-bred lion bone trade is a potential threat to wild lions. Conservation efforts must focus on protecting lions in the wild, and not prop up facilities where they are bred for slaughter and canned hunting. Unless research proves otherwise, caution must prevail and trade in these parts must be completely suspended given South Africa’s commitments under international law.”

Pippa Hankinson, producer of Blood Lions, said “Blood Lions is deeply concerned by this announcement from the South African government. The quota appears to lack the requisite scientific basis, and there has been no apparent consideration of proper welfare or conservation protocols. South Africa has shown complete disregard for the overwhelming response by key global conservation leaders calling for the ‘termination of captive lion breeding for commercial, non-conservation purposes and the hunting of captive-bred lions and other predators’ at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in September last year. In addition, this shocking industry is already adversely affecting brand South Africa. We urge the public to call for a suspension of trade in captive lions and their bones, and to bring an end to the captive lion breeding and canned hunting industry.”

FACTS:

· The South African government estimates are that there are approximately 6,000 captive African lions in South Africa, bred for various economic purposes. However, other experts reveal the number is likely closer to 8,000.

· The recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, Mr Sisa Ntshona, has spoken out against the petting of lion cubs and similar exploitative activities.

· A 2015 film titled Blood Lions exposed the true nature of the lion breeding industry in South Africa, revealing poor living conditions, false pretenses under which breeders contract volunteers to care for the animals, misleading information provided to tourists about the conservation benefit of lion breeding, and lack of appropriate regulation.

· The African Lion Working Group has stated that “sport hunting of lions that occur in fenced enclosures and are not self-sustaining does not provide any demonstrated positive benefit to wild lion conservation efforts and therefore cannot be claimed to be conservation.”

· At the September 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress, the world’s top scientists, government representatives, non-profit organizations, and experts adopted motion 009 on terminating the hunting of captive-bred lions and other predators and captive breeding for commercial, non-conservation purposes.

· In November of 2015, the majority of the members of the Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa passed a motion that “disassociates PHASA with the captive-bred lion industry until such a time that the industry can convince PHASA and the IUCN that the practice is beneficial to lion conservation.”

Free conference set to empower and educate those looking to make ethical choices abroad

Location: thestudio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EP
Date and Time: Sat 25 February 2017, 10:00 – 14:20 GMT

International wildlife and conservation charity the Born Free Foundation is linking-up with Compas Ethical Travel and Volunteering to host a FREE one-day conference this February.

Perfect for anyone looking to volunteer abroad, take a sabbatical or gap year, or book a safari adventure, this insightful conference will help travellers to ensure that their trip is valuable not only to themselves, but to the people, animals and environments which they are looking to work with.

Speakers will include Will Travers OBE, President of The Born Free Foundation; Daniel Turner, Born Free’s Associate Director of Tourism and EU Compliance; Dominic Dyer, CEO of the Badger Trust; Cathy Smith from Orangutan Foundation, plus a number of representatives from ethical volunteer agencies and projects will be on hand to provide advice and information.

The conference will also be screening the critically-acclaimed documentary film Blood Lions which lifts the lid on the shocking canned hunting industry in South Africa, where well-meaning but misguided volunteers are often recruited to volunteer at these facilities, mistakenly believing they are helping threatened and endangered species.

Watch the official trailer for Blood Lions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T86GCjCpus

Will Travers said: “I meet so many people who ask me what they can do to help wild animals in need and, of course, one way is to volunteer for a project designed to care for individual wild animals, or protect thretned species, or assist remote local communities – or all three. However, when choosing which project to volunteer for it is essential to make an informed choice to ensure that your generosity is appreciated, valued, effective – and not in any way abused. This conference will most certainly help people make the RIGHT decision.”

Sarah Magalotti, co-founder of Compass Ethical Travel, said: “Whether it’s for a few weeks or a couple of years, there are now a huge number of organisations which can help plan the perfect trip or find the ideal volunteer programme. However, while volunteers’ intentions are nearly always good, overseas volunteer placements are not always ethically sound, and in some cases can do more harm than good. This one day conference will empower volunteers with knowledge to help them make informed decisions.”

To register for your FREE ticket, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/compass-ethical-travel-and-volunteering-conference-tickets-27000457094

These posters, promoting the petting of lions in South Africa, have been up for more than a year and, according to a statement Thursday from OR Tambo, the images were supplied by South African Tourism.

The Airport said: “We accept that conservationists now urge tourists not to participate in the petting of young wild animals, although we had not been made aware of this at the time that the images were installed.

“O.R. Tambo International Airport will remove that panel and replace it. We are happy to offer South African Tourism and BloodLion the opportunity to provide a suitable image that fits with the other images along that corridor and that demonstrates how lions in the wild should be viewed.

“O.R. Tambo International Airport will cover the costs of removing and replacing the panel.”

Captured in Africa’s Drew Abrahamson, Paul Tully and Stephanie Oels said in response: “We thank OR Tambo and SA Tourism for taking swift and responsible action. Thank you to our friends at Blood Lions and Green Girls in Africa for also highlighting this issue and helping efforts towards responsible tourism.”

Many international – and local – tourists are still unaware of the darker side of cub petting: That when these cuddly lions are no longer small and safe enough to pet or take for a walk, they are sold to private game reserves where they often become the soft target for hunters who pay to shoot them in what has become known as South Africa’s notorious “canned lion” industry… lions bred to be shot.

Captured in Africa says: “The more we educate tourists on responsible tourism and divert travellers away from such hugely irresponsible interaction facilities, the better tourism and Brand SA will be.”

Dear Sisa Ntshona,

I would like to start by extending my belated congratulations on your appointment as CEO of South African Tourism, a function that requires a multitude of skills, expertise and courage. I am so heartened by the fact that you are actively seeking engagement with the South African tourism trade and take time out of your busy schedule for webinars and the subsequent written responses to further questions from the trade.

As an environmentalist and keen supporter of sustainable tourism practices, I was even more excited (and many others in the industry with me) with the way you answered the question by Paul Tully from Captured in Africa in a recent webinar organised by Tourism Update. Paul asked your thoughts on the current exploitation of lions and other wildlife in captivity, including activities such as cub petting, activities that are not only unethical, but also reflect badly on Brand SA.

You responded by saying:

Hi Paul. Thanks for raising this point – it is extremely relevant and topical at the moment, and gives us an opportunity to unequivocally state our position. South African Tourism does not promote or endorse any interaction with wild animals such as the petting of wild cats, interacting with elephants and walking with lions, cheetahs and so on.

Our marketing efforts promote an authentic and credible tourism experience to all our tourists, and this includes an authentic wildlife experience to keep it as “wild” and natural as possible.

But we take these concerns extremely seriously and are talking to the Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme to see how we can work more closely with them to eradicate such practices.

For those who missed the webinar and subsequent publication, you will find a complete transcript HERE.

Statements such as yours are music to the ears of many people who work tirelessly on behalf of the voiceless. Eradication of unethical wildlife interactions, including petting, riding, and walking with big cats, elephants, ostriches and other wildlife, is what many in our diverse industry would like to see happen.

You can hopefully imagine the disappointment when we were faced with this image from OR Tambo Airport only shortly after your statement was released. What a negative message to send to our visitors on arrival in SA. However, I am happy to hear that you are working with ACSA to resolve this embarrassment.

Looking into SA Tourism’s marketing efforts through your own website gave me a real shock though when faced with the promotion of Ostrich farms, including ostrich riding – listed as number nine of your Top 10 activities in South Africa! A little more digging uncovered the promotion of tourism businesses actively involved in captive breeding of Cheetahs, walking with Cheetahs, breeding of lions and tigers, elephant interactions and elephant back riding, and the training of marine mammals for our entertainment. The list seems to be endless and this is unfortunately only the tip of the SA Tourism iceberg.

Tourism businesses involved with activities that you claim in your statement SA Tourism neither promotes nor endorses, such as elephant interactions and/or riding, and walking with and/or petting of big cats, are still part of many of your overseas Road Shows.

I think we all agree with the Blood Lions statement below: “If South Africa wants to market itself as a destination offering ethical and responsible tourism, there cannot be any place for predator breeding, canned hunting and the use of lions and other species as our ‘play things’.”

With the global shift towards a more responsible tourism industry, tourism associations across the globe are encouraging their members to stop promoting unethical wildlife attractions, such as elephant back rides. Even our neighbours are actively putting policies into place to make tourism more responsible, like the recent ban on elephant back riding by Botswana. In our own country, Fair Trade Tourism has taken a stand against captive wildlife interactions. It’s South Africa’s turn to stop talking the responsible tourism talk and start walking the walk.

Hence, my questions to you:

• How will you ensure that SA Tourism will no longer promote unethical wildlife activities through your own marketing channels?
• What are your short term objectives for SA Tourism to eradicate unethical wildlife practices from our industry?
• How will you encourage the wider industry to stop promoting these kind of activities?
• What are SA Tourism’s criteria to differentiate between those wildlife activities that are ethical/responsible and will therefore be promoted and endorsed by SA Tourism, and those that are not?

I look forward to hearing from you shortly and would be more than willing to discuss any of the above issues with you in more detail.

With warm regards,

Dr Louise de Waal
Sustainable Tourism consultant

With the start of the Duel Ultra Triathlon only days away, triathletes from all over the country will be heading up to Midmar Dam in the beautiful Natal Midlands to participate in this exciting new event on the triathlon calendar.  Midmar Dam, situated between Pietermaritzburg and Howick, is an ideal sporting venue with its large expanse of water and picturesque, tranquil surrounds.

Sunday 28th January will be the first in a full calendar of sporting events to be launched by the Trust in February.  Through these events the Trust aims to provide unique and challenging sporting experiences and with this platform, raise funds for conservation & development projects around the province.   The Trust also aims to promote the remarkable natural heritage and wonderful eco-tourism ventures KZN has to offer.

The Duel Ultra, essentially birthed to prepare Iron Man die-hards and first-timers for a full Iron Man, will be held over Half Iron Man distances including a fresh 1,9km Dam Swim, a lung-stretching 90km Cycle through undulating Meander hills, and a fast 21km run along Midmar’s hazy shores. A unique and once long forgotten aspect of the KZN Triathlon will be revived with the addition of a 7,5km canoeing leg for those not too keen on taking on Midmar in a Speedo and wetsuit.

There is also an option for the not-so-ultra-fit; a corporate team challenge for three members who will have the opportunity to experience a long distance triathlon by participating in an event over half the distances of the main event. These teams will cover a 1km Swim, 45km Cycle and 10km Run.  The Trust has entered a Team in the Corporate Challenge and will be battling it out with other teams not so much to be first at the finish line, but to bring in the highest sponsorship.

The event has had a fantastic response from entrants with a field of over 600 athletes lining up for the start on Sunday, all of which will receive an exceptional value-for-money goodie bag packed with great goodies from our sponsors, including products from the events title sponsor Duel Shaving Products.

Top athletes such as Glen Gore, Raynard Tissink and Carl Storm have all confirmed their participation, so a mammoth battle for line honours is expected. Some exciting teams made up of high calibre athletes such as Jenna Worlock and Dominique Donner will ensure that the teams are mixing it up with the individual athletes. Top canoe tri-athlete Sakkie Meyer and Landy Taylor will be heading up the canoe field. Doubling as the SA Long Course Triathlon Champs,  elite athletes and age groupers can anticipate racing for a race purse that amounts to R30 000, 00.

“Our goal and vision has been to motivate couch potato’s and seasoned athletes alike, to take part in a unique, challenging and ultimately rewarding experience. The field speaks for itself and we are extremely pleased with the entries for the event”, say the race organisers; “Good luck to all entrants!”

Contact 083 6475 372 or visit <a href=”http://www.duelultratri.co.za/”>www.duelultratri.co.za</a>  for more information on the Duel Ultra and watch this space or click on the Events Page for information on up-coming events hosted by the Trust.