Hello to you all and hoping you are as safe as possible during this disorientating time.

Aware of the enormity of the threats that face us today, it is so important that we do not close our eyes to the remaining and diverse challenges that face life on earth. Today, I’m writing to raise awareness for an injustice to the animal kingdom and to ask for your help in taking a stand. I have always been passionate about wildlife conservation and the vitality of people everywhere in protecting species globally - this is an endeavour that I know is shared by so many. 

Through my role as an IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals) ambassador I’ve learnt so much of the complex issues facing animal populations. Canned hunting and the exploitation of captive lions in South Africa is utterly heartbreaking - with an estimated 10,000 big cats currently in captivity that will never be released into the wild.  Powerful action, however, is taking place and you could be instrumental in making this happen. 

Though upsetting, without exposing the truth of this process suffering will be overlooked and allowed to persist. In South Africa, lion cubs born in captivity become part of a tourism trade of hands-on encounters and photo opportunities. Many, believing they are aiding a conservation programme, volunteer their time to help these cubs… totally unaware that their fate may well see them sold into the brutal canned hunting industry. Useless to the tourism trade once matured and grown they are killed in a confined area and their skeletons sold into the lion bone trade. 

If you feel in the same way that I do - please join myself, IAPWA and an ever growing number of compassionate individuals and organisations who refuse to turn a blind eye. In less than a minute you can commit to never cuddle lion cubs, walk with lions, or visit a facility that offers those experiences by signing the Claws Out campaign pledge. In doing so you can prove the resistance to these terrible practices and apply pressure to those who continue to facilitate the devastation brought about by the wider canned hunting industry.  

Follow this link to sign the pledge: https://iapwa.org/claws-out-pledge/

Of course, people are less likely to travel to the affected countries at a time of significantly reduced global movement. We will, however, be faced by the full scale of this issue when we emerge from the tight grasps of the coronavirus. We can still have a powerful impact upon the lives of these creatures. Although cruelty and injustice have not been placed on lock down, signing the pledge will allow you to truly help these beautiful animals whilst remaining at home. Every single pledge will build the momentum of a growing campaign to drive the tourism industry away from such harrowing practices. I too will continue doing all I can to make a positive difference during these darker days. Thank you so much. 

Much love and stay safe, 

Lucy xx