TRADING IN MISERY SOUTH AFRICA’S RECENT LION EXPORTS

INTRODUCTION TO THE REPORT

The EMS Foundation has obtained official information from the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment via the Promotion of Access to Information Act also known as PAIA about lion exports from the Oliver Tambo International’s Airport situated in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The detailed and specific information contained in this document illustrates the magnitude of this South African industry over a very specific time frame.

SOUTH AFRICAN TROPHY HUNTED WILD AND CAPTIVE LIONS

Each year hundreds of thousands of wild animals are killed by trophy hunters.

The true meaning of the word trophy is a memorial of a victory in war, consisting of spoils taken from the enemy as a token of victory and power.

Trophy hunters kill wild animals for their body parts, including heads, skins, claws and in some instances the whole animal.

In South Africa international trophy hunters hunt wild and captive bred lion.

Between August 2018 and the 7th of April 2021, 80 wild lion body part shipments were exported from South Africa.