FOUR PAWS Welcomes Mpumalanga’s Decision to Phase Out Captive Lion Facilities
FOUR PAWS welcomes the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency’s announcement that the province will no longer allow captive lion breeding, the establishment of new facilities or the import of captive lions. This marks an important step toward the full national phase-out of South Africa’s commercial captive lion industry.
FOUR PAWS also extends its congratulations to the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) for the significant progress made in guiding the national Voluntary Exit Programme and supporting provinces through this complex transition. The MTT’s commitment to animal welfare, science-based decision-making and transparent processes has been instrumental in moving South Africa closer to ending the cruelty associated with captive lion breeding.
Mpumalanga’s commitment to aligning with Cabinet’s 2024 decision shows strong leadership and a clear dedication to animal welfare, conservation integrity and ethical, responsible tourism. The province’s move to sterilise existing lions, enforce welfare compliance and strengthen oversight is essential to protecting the animals still trapped in this harmful industry.
FOUR PAWS encourages continued transparency, collaboration and careful planning to ensure the phase-out is humane and well‑managed, with long-term, welfare‑centred solutions for the lions affected.
FOUR PAWS stands ready to support Mpumalanga and national authorities as South Africa transitions towards a future where lions are protected, not exploited.
For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za
Deidre Daniels
Public Relations Officer+27 (0)21 702 4277
+27 (0)78 675 8220
9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park,
Green Building, Cape Town, 7945
A Public Relations professional with over eight years’ experience in fostering positive relationships between organisations and media.
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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects across the globe, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za