The Coalition of African  Animal Organisations (CAAWO) is calling on the South African government to put an end to the global commercial wildlife trade, which includes trophy hunting, the breeding of lions in captivity, and the use of lion bones in traditional medicine.

Trophy hunting is a type of sport that involves the killing of wild animals, such as elephants and lions. Parts of the hunted animal that are displayed and kept by the hunter are regarded as trophies to honour the animal and remember the hunting experience. The target of the game is usually a mature male specimen from a certain type of collectable. These types of animals are usually large and have magnificent furs and horns.

Captive lion breeding and trophy hunting are cruel and violate the rights of wild animals. These animals are merely resources that are used for entertainment and profit.

A Draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity was published for public comment by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Barbara Creecy in July.

It seeks to review the current policies, legislation and practices on matters of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros management, breeding, hunting, trade and handling.

In addition to this, they are also exploring the possibility of backtracking on their commitment to captive lion breeding.

All wild animals should be protected, not bred, shot, or traded in captivity. We should additionally encourage responsible tourism and humane practices when it comes to wildlife.

Instead of ignoring the cruelty of trophy hunting, let's find other sustainable ways to use wildlife that are not harmful to the environment. These include developing ecotourism programs that encourage the protection of wild animals.  

The organisation is calling on the public to add their voices and reject cruel practices such as trophy hunting as a default approach to sustainable
development and conservation and to demand a genuine wildlife friendly future for South Africa by signing this petition!

The Draft White Paper released for comment has given the public 60 days to respond.

DFFE Word template for responses to be sent can be found here: https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/draftwhitepaper_template-for-providing comments_final.docx)

The responses can be sent to: whitepaper@dffe.gov.za