South Africa’s decision to phase out the breeding of captive big game and prohibit the commercial use of lions has left many big-cat breeders anxious about their business futures.
A task force, appointed by the previous Environment Minister, recommended shutting down the breeding sector in December 2022 but did not offer financial support for those affected by the ban. Although the government adopted these recommendations in April, no deadline has been set for ending the breeding activities.
There have been no updates to this policy since the national elections in May, which resulted in a new unity government and a new environment minister.
South Africa has the world’s largest population of captive lions, with over 8,000 individuals, surpassing the number of wild lions in the country.
A game lodge operator specializing in artificial reproduction of wildlife, who has been working on reproductive research with various universities since 2006, criticized the government’s stance, saying, “It’s contradictory to support our research while cutting off our funding.” The lodge also offers educational tours with lions, which are vital for funding both the research and the lodge’s staff.
A dedicated animal handler at a renowned game lodge for 14 years is facing uncertainty as South Africa’s ban on big-cat breeding threatens his sole income source. This individual, who supports his family through his work, fears the new regulations will have a severe impact on his livelihood.
A recent departmental report has advised breeding facility owners to either euthanize or sterilize their animals or transfer them to government authorities for potential release into the wild or relocation to sanctuaries.
An animal welfare organization representative suggests that conservation funds currently invested in captive-breeding could be redirected to more impactful conservation efforts. She also notes that increased tourism could offer economic benefits to communities around wildlife reserves and national parks.
