Following the incident of Shamba the lion, the Marakele Predator Centre in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, has reopened for business, highlighting the need for the tourism industry to further regulate captive wildlife interactions and establishments.
The incident saw 72-year-old Michael Hodge, Owner of Marakele Predator Centre, attacked by Shamba when he entered the lion’s enclosure. Shamba, who Hodge claims to have bottle-raised since birth, was subsequently shot.
Pippa Hankinson, Producer of Blood Lions comments: “Blood Lions condemns predator-interactive experiences which form part of the tourism and voluntourism industry. Along with many highly-regarded tourism operators around the world who have signed our ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge, we believe there is no place for tourism activities which promote the exploitation of wild animals.”
Hankinson says the links between the breeding farms, petting and walking facilities, canned hunting and the lion bone trade are clear. “We commend the responsible action that has been taken by those tourism operators who have committed not to promote this industry.”
Fair Trade Tourism’s Managing Director, Jane Edge, told Tourism Update that Fair Trade Tourism was working closely with tour operators, encouraging them to make informed decisions regarding the captive wildlife industry.
According to Edge, Fair Trade Tourism has drafted guidelines for the industry on the matter, which are set to launch in June.
The guidelines include four pillars, namely animal welfare; conservation; human welfare/safety; and lastly, transparency. “Our guidelines will advise the industry to avoid wildlife facilities that allow breeding, petting and walking with lions,” says Edge.
“The guidelines further advise the industry to be wary of establishments that do not supply information as to where the lions originated. In a true sanctuary all animals’ history should be detailed, and no trade should take place.”
Hankinson went on to welcome the statement by SA Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona, where he said: “I would like to reiterate South African Tourism’s position on cub petting. We are fully cognisant of the global anti-petting lobby and back it unreservedly.”
