The life of a wild animal is worth so much more than the trophy it is reduced to.
Trophy Hunting
Trophy hunting is a horrific and cruel practice that has egregious animal welfare and conservation impacts.
Trophy hunting is a horrific and cruel practice that has egregious animal welfare and conservation impacts.
Help save South Africa's wildlife.
Send the Email to minister Creecy.
Trophy hunting is a form of sport hunting in which wild animals such as lions and elephants are valued as trophies. Parts of the hunted animal are kept and displayed by the hunter to honour the animal and remember the experience of the hunt. The animal being targeted, known as the "game", is in most instances a mature male specimen from a popular species of collectable interests, usually of large sizes, holding impressive horns/antlers or magnificent furs/manes.
Trophy hunting and captive lion breeding treat wild animals as mere resources to be exploited for profit and entertainment, not respecting them as the sentient beings they are.
Trophy hunting is a form of sport hunting in which wild animals such as lions and elephants are valued as trophies. Parts of the hunted animal are kept and displayed by the hunter to honour the animal and remember the experience of the hunt. The animal being targeted, known as the "game", is in most instances a mature male specimen from a popular species of collectable interests, usually of large sizes, holding impressive horns/antlers or magnificent furs/manes.
Trophy hunting and captive lion breeding treat wild animals as mere resources to be exploited for profit and entertainment, not respecting them as the sentient beings they are.
The Public's Perspective on Trophy Hunting in South Africa
As South Africa opens up consultation on its draft white paper on conservation and sustainable use of the country's biodiversity, we have released new polling data on trophy hunting, one of the worst instances of the exploitation of Africa's iconic wildlife.
As South Africa opens up consultation on its draft white paper on conservation and sustainable use of the country's biodiversity, we have released new polling data on trophy hunting, one of the worst instances of the exploitation of Africa's iconic wildlife.
Trophy Hunting Statistics
Our new 'public's attitude on trophy hunting poll' reveals condemnation of the cruel blood ‘sport’ and unequivocal support for prioritising wildlife-friendly tourism.
The key findings from our trophy hunting research* revealed:
- 84% of international tourists agree that the South African government should prioritise wildlife-friendly tourism over trophy hunting
- 74% of international tourists agreed that making trophy hunting a key pillar of policy will damage South Africa’s reputation, and 72% would be put off from visiting the country altogether
- 7 in 10 South African citizens agree their country would be a more attractive tourist destination if they banned trophy hunting
- Three quarters (74%) of South African citizens agree that trophy hunting is unacceptable when wildlife-friendly tourism alternatives have not been fully utilised.
Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity
The draft white paper from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment seeks to - create a prosperous nation living in harmony with nature where biodiversity is conserved for present and future generations – this is a great start.
Still, it falls short of clarity or tangible commitments to end the global commercial wildlife trade, including:
- trophy hunting
- captive lion breeding
- and big cats for traditional medicine.
Hunting African Animals is cruel and unsustainable
Every wild animal should be protected, not traded, shot, or bred in captivity. We should also encourage humane and responsible wildlife-friendly tourism, which is sadly underutilized.
Instead of ignoring the atrocities of trophy hunting and using wildlife as a resource, let's find wildlife-friendly alternatives that can generate income for local economies and serve as incentives to protect animals without killing them for "sport."
Every wild animal should be protected, not traded, shot, or bred in captivity. We should also encourage humane and responsible wildlife-friendly tourism, which is sadly underutilized.
Instead of ignoring the atrocities of trophy hunting and using wildlife as a resource, let's find wildlife-friendly alternatives that can generate income for local economies and serve as incentives to protect animals without killing them for "sport."
Take action against Trophy Hunting
Before the public consultation on the use of wildlife and sustainable management closes, share your opinion via the email below to help stop attempts to legitimize the cruel sport of trophy hunting.
Africa’s wild life has the right to a wild life. They do not belong to us, they belong in the wild. Therefore, we must respect and protect them.
