With approval of a new law in 2024 by the SA Government, more than 8,500 captive bred lions are facing euthanasia as the 'most viable options' proposed by government and their task team.
What is the main aim of the Land4Lions Project?
To Rescue, Rehabilitate & Release onto wild habitat as many as possible of SA's captive bred lions currently doomed for termination.
How many Captive Bred Lions are there in South Africa?
There are more than 8,500 Captive bred lions in SA and they comprise 80% of all lions in South Africa and more than 56% of all the lions in Africa.
How much habitat are left for lions in Africa?
Since 1900, lions lost 97% of their natural habitat range and are now extinct in 32+ countries !
How many lions are there in the 'wild' in Africa?
Wild roaming lion populations in Africa decreased with more than 97% over the last century - from an estimated 1,2 million to a current declining 15,000-20,000 lions. Predicted extinction of lions in the wild in Africa by 2050 according to the IUCN.
Project Strategy
Who is managing the project?
The Land4Lions Trust, consisting of various highly skilled and experienced professionals, are managing the project.
Will there be a pre-release phase?
Yes, the first phase of the project will be to establish a proper pre-release facility where lions will receive proper veterinary evaluation and care.
Will the project include genetic evaluation?
Part of the project will be to collect and compile a comprehensive genetic record and biodata repository (genetic, reproductive) of all captive bred lions.
Have captive bred lions successful been released into wild habitat before?
Yes, there are numerous records of the successful re-introduction of captive bred lions onto wild habitat.
Project Phases
Phase 1
Establishment of a secure and well equipped lion pre-release facility.
Phase 2
Scientific genetic evaluation and collection of genetic material and other biodata for the lion genetic biobank as well as current and future research projects.
Phase 3
Identification of secure and long-term 'wild' habitat for the re-introduction / release for suitable captive bred lions.
Phase 4
Continuous and constant scientific monitoring of all lions -both at pre-release facility as well as the re-introduced or released lions in their 'wild' habitat.
How to Contribute
Where can the various options be viewed?
Please visit our "support" page (link above) or contact the Land4Lions Trust directly.
Option A: Land4Lions
You are invited to "buy" a square meter of land and together this will add up to a few thousand hectars of land for lions in Africa.
(Please note: Your contribution is a donation and you will not personally own the square meter, but it will allow the lions to own their own habitat ultimately.
Option B: Care4Lions
Contribute monthly towards the care and rehabilitation of one or more lions in the pre-release facility.
Option C: Life4Lions
Contribute in more than one way towards the Land4Lions Project, including amongst others, volunteering at our pre-release faciling and/or enrolling for one or more of our special wildlife/conservation educational courses/programs.
