In major move, South Africa to end captive lion industry
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) South Africa says it will end its captive lion industry in a major move for conservation that would outlaw the heavily criticized “canned hunting” of the big cats and sale of their bones, as well as popular tourist experiences like petting cubs.
The policy, which still needs to be made into law, would effectively end the world’s legal lion bone trade. South Africa is the only country given a special dispensation by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species to sell and export lion bones, claws and teeth, and they have to be from captive lions. None of those parts from wild lions can be sold or traded anywhere.
The new policy will prohibit the keeping and breeding of lions in captivity and the use of any captive lion parts for commercial purposes.
South Africa has anywhere between 8,000 and 12,000 lions in captivity, according to various figures from the government and wildlife organizations. It’s the only country doing intense breeding of lions,” said Neil Greenwood of the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
South Africa s policy change was announced by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy on Sunday after a yearlong study by a panel of experts. They recommended the industry be ended as it had a “negative impact on conservation and on the country s ecotourism image.
The new policy will prohibit the keeping and breeding of lions in captivity and the use of any captive lion parts for commercial purposes.
South Africa has anywhere between 8,000 and 12,000 lions in captivity, according to various figures from the government and wildlife organizations. It’s the only country doing intense breeding of lions,” said Neil Greenwood of the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
South Africa s policy change was announced by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy on Sunday after a yearlong study by a panel of experts. They recommended the industry be ended as it had a “negative impact on conservation and on the country s ecotourism image.
NEW BEDFORD The pilot whale that attracted the attention of many as it swam in Clarks Cove on Saturday afternoon was euthanized after it stranded. The older, female whale had a severe ear infection in both ears that likely contributed to her stranding, according to a rescue organization. Her condition subsequently deteriorated, indicating that euthanasia would be the most humane option for her, said Stacey Hedman, a spokesperson for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, by email. Our veterinarian began administering sedatives and she passed away shortly afterwards, a further indication that she was in poor health.
IFAW staff, trained volunteers and New Bedford police officers observed the whale until she stranded at around 4 p.m.