The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just ruled last week that African lions imports from canned hunts in South Africa will be banned, since the majestic animals have been listed as threatened. This is amazing news for conservationists and those who feel that canned hunts are unnecessary and barbaric.
The Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Database, lists 429 lion trophies from animals who were captive-bred/captive-born were exported from South Africa for hunting trophy purposes or personal purposes in 2014. Of these, 363 or 84.6 percent were exported to the U.S, the majority of those taken. So this ban on imports will hopefully reduce the total number of lions taken, as well as the demand for these trophies.
Cecil the Lion who was slaughtered by Walter Palmer
Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States said: “The federal action to place African lions on the list of threatened and endangered species could and should cripple the canned lion hunting industry in South Africa, given that Americans account for nearly nine of every 10 kills at these despicable, deplorable facilities.” He also added, “If you thought Walter Palmer’s killing of Cecil was deplorable, what happens to nameless lions at these facilities is even more appalling and unsporting. Along with the new U.S. import restrictions, we applaud France and Australia for banning lion trophy imports, and we urge other importing countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland and Spain, to enact similar rules.”
According to the government of South Africa, there are about 6,000 captive lions held in about 200 facilities where canned lion hunts sell for US $10,000 – $20,000 each. These facilities were recently highlighted in the documentary Blood Lions. Even the Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa opposes canned hunts of lions.
How do you feel about this ban?
