The lion is a member of the Big 5 and an animal that hundreds of tourists look for when they are in the bush in our country and all over Africa. Yet, there are less than 4000 lions left in the wild.
Why?
Because lions are being captured, and taken to places where they can breed. First of all, the females will be forced to have as many cubs as they can before being offered up as a target for trophy hunting or they are killed for bone trade. The young cubs are taken away from their mothers and then played with by people and volunteers who do not know that these cubs are destined to be hunted for trophies.
The tragic cycle begins with cub petting but does not stop there, after a few more steps as when they become mature they are released from cages into small camps, so they cannot escape from their hunters.
This is why I took part in the march to save our lions on the 15th of March 2014.
My mother, sister and I got to Zoo Lake and followed the drumming and singing to where the march was held. There, we listened to the Lion Whisperer, a DA counsel leader and a few other people as more supporters joined us. After hearing the motivational speeches and purchasing t-shirts and signs the march began.
Every single person who took part chanted “Ban Canned Lion Hunting NOW!” and “Save our Lions”. Whilst we walked down the road in time with the drums we all hoped that what we were doing, along with many other cities around the world, would make a difference. We hoped that more and more people would understand that when the trophy hunters claimed they were shooting the lions to help impoverished communities this was not their true goal. They could donate money instead of shooting these amazing animals. Our tourism doesn’t need to rely on these visitors, but should rather focus on conservation ecotourism as this is more sustainable. I urge you all to show your love for lions and say NO to Canned Lion Hunting!
Go to: www.cannedlion.org for more information.
No comments:
Post a Comment