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bloodlions.bsky.social

@bloodlions.bsky.social
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 22h
BREAKING: Man walks lion cub on SA street This may seem unusual, but it highlights a bigger problem: captive lion breeding turns wild animals into commodities for petting, walking, selfies, tourism & hunting. Lions deserve to be valued as wild animals, not entertainment briefly.co.za/people/25500...
briefly.co.za
"It's all fun til you get arrested": Mzansi reacts to man walking lion cub
A young TikToker filmed walking a lion cub on a leash down a South African street left passersby scrambling and Mzansi asking whether it is legal.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
🐾 Taking Stock: Assessing Animal Welfare Conditions - Shelter In the wild, lions live in complex environments with habitats that offer trees, shrubs, tall grasses, boulders and other places to hide. But these conditions are near impossible to replicate in captivity. 👉 bloodlions.org/wp-content/u...
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
🐾 Taking Stock: Assessing Animal Welfare Conditions - Environmental Noise 🐾 Environmental noise quality is considered a major hidden stressor in animal welfare. Loud and continuous noise can cause fear, stress, and ultimately health issues in captive lions. Read more 👉 bloodlions.org/wp-content/u...
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
NEWS: Tiger carcasses & lion bones seized in suspected wildlife trafficking operation. A 150kg shipment from SA was intercepted in Singapore in Nov 2025. A 2019 raid at Voi Game Lodge also found frozen tiger carcasses & skins 👉 www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
dailymaverick.co.za
Wildlife trafficking net widens — Hawks nab a fifth suspect on World Rhino Day
The staged rhino horn heist complainant who opened an allegedly false armed robbery case last year, has finally been arrested and unmasked…
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Taking Stock: Assessing Animal Welfare Conditions - Mobility Restricting a predator’s movement affects their physical health & mental well-being. A lack of space inhibits opportunities to explore & hunt, leading to chronic stress, boredom & stereotypic pacing. 👉 bloodlions.org/wp-content/u...
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🐾 How do we systematically assess animal welfare? Blood Lions & @World Animal Protection assessed 34 captive lion tourism venues across 4 SA provinces using 10 established welfare indicators, from shelter and hygiene to enrichment, diet and animal management. More 👉 bloodlions.org/wp-content/u...
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
⚖️ Blood Lions engages the next generation of animal & environmental law practitioners! Our inaugural JABULA Animal Law Moot Court brought law students, legal experts & academics together for two days of learning and debate. Thank you to our partners, speakers & all participants! 🐾
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
🐾 Why study animal welfare conditions? Despite years of reported welfare concerns, there's been limited systematic evidence assessing welfare conditions across SA’s captive lion tourism industry. Blood Lions & World Animal Protection undertook a systematic assessment to help fill this evidence gap.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Today we joined Animal Law Reform South Africa & Global Environmental Law Centre at UWC for the first JABULA Moot Court Competition. It has been a privilege to engage with law students and listen to their carefully considered arguments regarding the commercial captive lion industry.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
🟢 Green Flags for Wildlife Volunteering 🟢 Volunteer FOR wildlife, not its exploitation. Look for projects that prioritise animal welfare, avoid hands-on interactions & breeding, provide lifelong homes, have qualified staff, clear conservation goals and support local communities. 🐾 Do your research!
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🚩 Red Flag: Exploiting Compassion Wildlife volunteers genuinely want to help, but their compassion can be exploited. Hands-on activities & bottle-feeding generates income for facilities without delivering meaningful conservation benefits. ❓Research welfare & conservation outcomes before volunteering
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
🚩 Red Flag: Interactive Wildlife Activities 🚩 Hand-raising predator cubs & close interactions may be marketed as rehabilitation or conservation. But hands-on activities harm welfare, create safety risks & normalise wild animals as entertainment. ❓What conservation outcome are you contributing to?
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
📢 BREAKING: Canned lion hunting phase-out drags on. More than five years after SA committed to phasing out the captive lion industry, breeding and trade continue. New DFFE Minister David Maynier is still being briefed, with no timeframe given for completion. 👉 www.tourismupdate.com/article/cann...
tourismupdate.com
Canned lion hunting phase-out drags on
More than five years after government committed to phasing out South Africa’s commercial captive lion industry, breeding and hunting continue while…
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
🚩 Red Flag: “Rescued” Big Cats 🚩 Are the big cats at a volunteer placement genuinely rescued—or part of a commercial system? ❗Ask why the animal is in captivity, how it got there, and what its future holds. “Rescued” animals can still be used for exhibitions and tourism.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
🚩 Red Flag: “Sanctuary”. Some captive predator facilities use the label without meeting genuine sanctuary standards - such as no breeding, trading or hands-on interactions. Before volunteering, ask: Who manages the animals? What qualifications are required? What welfare standards are followed?
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
🚩 Red Flags for Wildlife Volunteering 🚩 The commercial captive predator industry can exploit well-intentioned volunteers. Before signing up, research where your time and money are going and whether the project genuinely supports conservation. 🐾 Follow our Red Flags series to learn more.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
🚩 Red Flag: Hidden Wildlife Volunteer Projects 🚩 Would you volunteer at a facility you couldn’t properly research? Some agencies withhold venue names or locations until booking—or arrival. ❗Transparency should be non-negotiable when paying to volunteer with wildlife.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Examining the evidence behind SA’s captive lion industry and wild lion conservation. Blood Lions presented peer-reviewed research at North West University’s Faculty of Law 4th Annual Colloquium, reviewing whether commercial captive breeding contributes to or undermines wild lion conservation.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Evidence matters. Wildlife policy must be based on the best available scientific evidence — not assumptions or anecdotes. At Blood Lions, peer-reviewed research helps us understand impacts, challenge misinformation, inform policy, and advocate for meaningful change. 👉 bloodlions.org/resources/re...
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
🦁 SA has committed to phasing out commercial captive lion breeding, yet the industry remains legal & operational. Blood Lions & partners are calling for a clear, responsible pathway to ensure today’s captive lion population is the last bred for commercial exploitation. 👉 mg.co.za/the-green-gu...
mg.co.za
SA’s captive lion industry remains legal despite years of promises to phase it out, say animal welfare groups
Despite years of government commitments, parliamentary reviews and expert panels, South Africa’s commercial captive lion breeding industry remains operational as conservation groups urge immediate act...
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
‼️ South Africa’s captive lion industry remains legal, five years after the 2021 commitment to phase it out. Despite recommendations from the High Level Panel and Ministerial Task Team, implementation remains stalled while the industry continues. Read more 👉 tourismnewsafrica.com/world-lion-d...
tourismnewsafrica.com
World Lion Day 2026: United for Lions – Tourism News Africa
World Lion Day renews calls to end South Africa's captive lion industry and protect lions through lasting conservation action...
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
💭 Blog: How can you support ethical wildlife conservation? Former Youth For Lions Ambassador Oliver Riley-Smith explores the risks of volunteering with captive wildlife and how young travellers can avoid unethical organisations. Read more 👉 bloodlions.org/volunteering...
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
🏆 We’re incredibly proud of Blood Lions Campaign Manager Dr Stephanie Klarmann, honoured with the Award for Captive Predator Protection and Ethical Wildlife Advocacy! 🦁 Congratulations, Stephanie @omniwellness.bsky.social
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Government urged to honour its commitment to end SA’s captive lion industry. Four Paws SA, Humane World for Animals SA, Voice4Lions & Blood Lions outlined practical steps to ensure today’s captive lion population is the last bred for commercial exploitation. More 👉 www.citizen.co.za/news/conserv...
citizen.co.za
Government called to honour commitment to end SA's captive lion industry | The Citizen
Campaigners say years of recommendations and government commitments have failed to bring meaningful change for captive lions.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Thank you for standing with lions this World Lion Day. Blood Lions, Four Paws SA, Humane World for Animals SA & Voice4Lions called for an urgent need to phase out SA’s captive lion industry. We look forward to engaging with Minister Maynier to ensure this is the last generation of captive lions.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
🦁 World Lion Day 2026: The time for action is NOW. Despite the government's commitment to phase out SA's captive lion industry, progress has stalled since Nov 2025. The current generation of captive-bred lions must be the last. Join us as we call for action. #WorldLionDay #CancelCaptivity
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
🚨 BREAKING: DFFE estimates 734 captive tigers were held in South Africa in 2023/24, around 100 more than the previous year. The Department says it does not support phasing out commercial captive tiger breeding and trade. Read more: www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-...
citizen.co.za
Tiger exports fuel demands to end captive breeding in South Africa
New figures have reignited debate over South Africa's captive tiger industry as campaigners call for an end to commercial breeding and wildlife trade.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
🦁 For #WorldLionDay2026, Blood Lions, Four Paws SA, Humane World for Animals SA and Voice4Lions are hosting a virtual press conference: United for Lions: One Voice, One Future. We'll discuss the lack of progress and ongoing uncertainty around phasing out South Africa's captive lion industry.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
❓Did you know? Between 2014–2023, South Africa traded over 5 million CITES-listed plants and animals, including 1,784 live lions, 8,356 lion trophies/skins/bodies and 5,649 lion skeletons. Legal trade still raises important conservation and animal welfare concerns. cites.org/sites/defaul...
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
🐯 Today is International Tiger Day. Wild tigers remain endangered, while lion and tiger body parts continue to fuel demand in parts of Asia. Blood Lions continues to call for a zero CITES export quota for lion body parts. 🎥 youtu.be/XFBStCaFs50?...
youtu.be
World Tiger Day | How South African captive bred lions and tigers feed the Asian tiger trade.
YouTube video by Blood Lions Official
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Big cat attacks have victims on both sides. When captive lions, tigers or cheetahs attack people, the animals are often euthanised or shot so emergency services can respond. These tragedies are preventable — & both people & predators pay the price.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
🦁 Are you safe viewing captive lions from a vehicle? Research found 7 reported lion attacks involving people in or on vehicles, with 2 fatalities. Open windows, unlocked doors and habituated lions can be a dangerous combination. Wild predators remain unpredictable.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
🌍 What is CITES? It’s a global agreement regulating wildlife trade to protect wild species. Blood Lions attended the 34th Animals Committee, sharing research on the risks South Africa’s captive lion industry poses to wild lions. #CITES #CancelCaptivity
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
🐾 Project Cheetah now has 49 cheetahs, but births alone don't equal conservation success. Four years on, questions remain about habitat suitability, intensive management, and whether a self-sustaining wild population can be achieved. 📹 youtu.be/TaMbEUi27jI?...
youtu.be
India’s Cheetah Project: Success Story or Expensive Failure?
YouTube video by The Telegraph India
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
🦁 Are fences enough to keep you safe? Research found 15% of reported big cat attacks occurred through fences. One victim died. Barriers & warning signs can't eliminate the risk—lions, cheetahs & tigers remain wild & unpredictable. These animals may seem tame, but their nature remains unpredictable.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Captive lion industry representatives dismissed our research as "just advocacy" at CITES 34th Animals Committee meeting. But our peer-reviewed study, submitted to the CITES AC, found no evidence that South Africa's commercial captive lion industry reduces pressure on wild lion populations.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
🦁 Is entering a big cat enclosure worth the risk? Research found 57% of reported big cat attacks occurred inside enclosures. Of 33 victims, 9 died. Lions, cheetahs and tigers remain wild and unpredictable — no selfie or experience is worth risking your life. Video credit: @kyahrileymakeup
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
🦁 Working with captive predators can be deadly. Research found 9 reported attacks on staff and 7 on owners at South African big cat facilities. Six workers and four owners died from their injuries. Wild predators remain unpredictable. People and animals deserve better.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
🎉 Welcome to the @youthforlions.bsky.social team, Micah van Schalkwyk! Micah is passionate about mentoring young people in conservation and is studying psychology and counselling. We're excited to have her helping inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates. Welcome to the team, Micah! 🦁
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
🦁 Volunteering with captive big cats isn't always what it seems. Many facilities market hands-on encounters as conservation, but volunteers can be put at risk. Research has documented attacks on volunteers, highlighting that even habituated predators remain wild and unpredictable.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
🦁 Think you're safe around captive big cats? Research shows adults made up three-quarters of reported visitor attacks at South African predator facilities, with one-third proving fatal. No matter how tame they seem, lions, cheetahs and tigers remain wild and unpredictable.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
📢 President Ramaphosa confirms requested Cabinet changes. Ramaphosa has appointed Willem Aucamp as new Minister of Agriculture, leaving the portfolio of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to David Maynier. We welcome David Maynier to this key position and look forward to future engagements.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Are big cat interactions safe for children? Blood Lions research found that 1 in 4 victims of reported big cat attacks in South Africa were children, with three fatalities. Wild predators remain unpredictable—even behind fences. Choose wildlife experiences that don't put children or animals at risk.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
How safe are captive predator interactions? Research by Blood Lions and TUT documented 52 reported big cat attacks in SA involving 58 people. Two-thirds of victims were injured and one-third died. Follow along as we explore these documented lion, cheetah and tiger attacks. Video credit: Traveller24
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
🎉 Blood Lions has won the ATTA Traveller Education & Awareness Award at Experience Africa 2026! We're honoured to be recognised for our work promoting ethical wildlife tourism and informed traveller choices. Thank you to ATTA, the judges and our supporters for making this possible. 🦁
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
🦁🇿🇦 South Africa’s captive lion industry puts our reputation at risk. The High Level Panel warned that captive breeding, canned hunting and the lion bone trade threaten South Africa’s standing as an ethical tourism and conservation destination. Tourism, jobs and international trust are all at stake.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
🦁🤕 Captive lion interactions carry real risks. A 2023 study identified 52 reported big cat attacks affecting 58 people, including tourists, workers and owners. Injuries and fatalities included children, staff and facility owners, highlighting the dangers of close contact with apex predators.
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bloodlions.bsky.social @bloodlions.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
BREAKING NEWS A press release from DA party leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, stated Willie Aucamp will replace John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture & David Maynier will take the position of Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Read more 👉 tinyurl.com/yvsnr56m
tinyurl.com
Steenhuisen could be axed as agriculture minister as early as this week
Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen could be removed from his current portfolio as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle expected to
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