Target: Willie Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, South Africa
Goal: Deliver South Africa’s promised phase-out of commercial captive lion breeding.
A new poll shows that 70% of international tourists would avoid a country that allows lions to be bred and kept in captivity for profit. The findings add pressure on South Africa to follow through on its 2021 commitment to end the commercial captive lion breeding industry.
The commercial captive lion industry has long faced concerns over welfare, ethics, zoonotic disease and reputational harm. Poll results show that most respondents across South Africa and key tourism markets support ending the industry, and many believe reversing the phase-out would harm the country’s reputation.
Tourism is vital to South Africa’s economy and supports millions of jobs. Continuing or weakening the phase-out could deter visitors and undermine ethical wildlife tourism. Lions should not remain trapped in a commercial system built around breeding, confinement and exploitation. Sign below to demand a permanent end to this exploitation.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Aucamp,
South Africa committed in 2021 to end commercial captive lion breeding. New polling shows that both domestic and international respondents strongly support that phase-out, with many tourists saying they would avoid destinations that allow lions to be bred in captivity for profit.
This is not only an ethical issue. It is also a reputational and economic issue. South Africa’s wildlife heritage is globally valued, and tourists increasingly expect animal welfare to be central to conservation and tourism policy.
We respectfully urge your department to end delays, provide a clear timetable and deliver the promised phase-out of commercial captive lion breeding. Lions should be protected as sentient wild animals, not treated as commercial commodities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: International Fund for Animal Welfare
