Mike on Planb recently posted about this magnificent lion, who’s home is Timbavati, a region near Kruger National Park in South Africa. On a visit to that area 10 or so years ago I remember the story of these lions being told to me then. They are very important spiritually to the people of the area, and for more than 12 years have been extinct in their natural habitat.
Prized by trophy hunters, circuses and animal collectors they have all been killed or used in captive breeding programs.
One of the most controversial aspects of these breeding programs is their use in canned-hunting programs, where rich tourists are given a gun and a lion in specially prepared setting, then offered the chance to shoot their own trophy to take home. Some tourists are reported to pay up to US$70,000 for this privilege, and it’s a multi-million dollar a year industry.
The color of this lion is owed to one recessive gene, and otherwise they are a common species. This means as a species they have no special domestic or international legal protections.
In March of this year a small colony of these lions were reintroduced into their natural habitat, and are slowly becoming re-established. Full establishment of this lion in it’s natural habitat looks set to be a hard battle in the long run, and your financial support would be much appreciated.
For the full story see Mike’s detailed post (link above) or the Global White Lion Protection Trust website.
I also join Mike in encouraging other bloggers to help spread the word by writing about this and/or linking to this post, Mike’s post and the Global White Lion Protection Trust website.
Patrick, Thank you so much for the support in getting word out. If each one of us tell one of us maybe we can get some real support for these Lions!