World Animal Protection provided evidence from anonymous sources who shared insights into how some closed-access (i.e., not open to the public) lion farms actually operate. These sources described how some lions are being deliberately starved during the low-hunting season to save money and how some lions are being released for canned trophy hunting while still sedated.
Canned trophy hunting
Canned trophy hunting involves killing captive-bred, often tame and confined animals within a controlled environment, solely for the purpose of obtaining trophies such as heads or skins.
Hunting occurs legally in a purpose-built enclosure on the facility’s premises. Still, illegal and cruel hunting practices also happen, including hunting within an hour of release and using sedation drugs.
In the photo: Cub that looks weak and with sickness in direct contact with visitors, generating concern in terms of public safety. Credit: World Animal Protection/Roberto Vieto
The illegal international bone trade
The skin, paws, and skill of lions are often prize trophies to hunters, while the bones are often kept by facilities for the big cat bone trade, Some bones are transported illegally to be used in traditional Asian medicine.
The bones are packed into boxes or left as complete carcasses to certify authenticity and prevent tracking device insertion.
The Report: Why South Africa’s commercial captive lion industry should end
