A new Lady Freethinker investigation has revealed the disturbing exploitation of lions and tigers across multiple tourist attractions in South Africa, despite the government’s 2021 pledge to phase out the country’s captive lion industry.
Our investigator documented big cats being abused and neglected across several facilities that promote themselves as “educational” or “conservation” establishments — while in reality, they exploit these animals through breeding, cub petting, and canned hunting.
They also observed cubs suffering from poor nutrition, ringworm, and stress-related agitation, with handlers and even tourists sustaining scratches and bites during photo sessions.
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
Disturbing Conditions at Tourist Venues
At one park, investigators discovered overcrowded enclosures — sometimes housing more than a dozen felines — along with visibly agitated animals and pacing behaviors indicating distress.
Cubs, who are taken from their mothers at only a few days of age, were found in filthy cages. Despite government claims of progress, staff admitted that the park continues to breed lions and sell them to other facilities. Both young tigers and cubs were used for tourist photos, and none of the animals were even given names — they were treated as mere commodities.
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
At a second venue, a facility long linked to canned hunting and lion bone exports, an aggressive eight-month-old cub named Lara was kept in a small, dirty enclosure beside a restaurant. Staff said new cubs would arrive soon, as one lion was pregnant — suggesting breeding is occurring despite restrictions.
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
Tourists were allowed to handle and feed two six-week-old lion cubs at a third park — even as government officials have urged facilities to end such practices. The owners also openly discussed giving alcohol, candy, and vape products to animals kept near the bar, including capuchin monkeys.
Despite admitting to being involved in the trade, the owners were evasive about where cubs would be purchased. Returning tourists expressed disappointment that the cubs they had met the previous year had been “sold.”
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
Meanwhile, at another venue, handlers allowed visitors to pet both lion and tiger cubs — some just a few weeks old — with little to no supervision. Tiger cubs were confined in woefully inadequate concrete cages with nothing but a blanket, while lions huddled together in the heat to find shade in a separate pen.
Broken Promises and Ongoing Suffering
Although the South African government announced plans to phase out the captive lion industry, our investigation found widespread noncompliance and weak enforcement. Many facilities continue operating under older breeding permits or under the guise of “education” or “conservation.”
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
The investigators’ report concluded that the country’s captive lion industry remains active and lucrative, fueled by tourism, canned hunting, and the international bone trade. Meanwhile, lions, tigers, and other big cats endure miserable conditions and repeated exploitation — from forced breeding to selfies with tourists to the gunfire of hunters.
“While South Africa has pledged to end the captive breeding of lions, this investigation shows that suffering continues behind the scenes,” said Lady Freethinker president Nina Jackel. “South Africa must put an end to this cruel industry immediately.”
Take Action for Animals
Lady Freethinker continues to call on South African authorities to fully enforce the ban on captive lion breeding and the trade in bones and live animals.
Sign our petition here to demand that these majestic cats be protected from this horrific cruelty and exploitation.