South Africa's Captive Lion Breeding Ban Sparks Concern Among Big-Cat Breeders

South Africa's ban on breeding captive lions and using them for commercial purposes has raised concerns among big-cat breeders. The government enacted this policy following a task team's recommendation. With no financial incentives or deadlines for compliance, breeders worry about business impacts and livelihoods.

South Africa's decision to phase out the breeding of captive big game and ban the commercial use of lions has caused alarm among big-cat breeders worried about their business futures.

A ministerial task team appointed by former environment minister Barbara Creecy recommended closing the breeding sector in December 2022. The government enforced these recommendations in April without offering financial incentives or setting a deadline for breeding cessation.

Despite the national election in May, which saw President Cyril Ramaphosa form a unity government, no alterations to the plans have been made. In a country with over 8,000 captive lions, the largest such population globally, breeders like game lodge owner Willie Le Roux and animal handler Asini Sanadi express concerns over economic impacts.

(With inputs from agencies.)