CRITICAL ALERT

LION PRIDES IN URGENT NEED OF FOOD TO STAY ALIVE

Most of Africa’s big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs could be facing extinction within the next two decades unless urgent action is taken by African governments. Leading conservation groups are calling urgently for increased efforts to save them. Internationally populations of lions, leopard, cheetahs and especially tigers have been decimated in the past half-century. Leading scientists report that tigers “have become so rare that lions have become their soup-bone substitutes, sought for Asian medicines and ‘tiger bone’ wine.” We need to ask ourselves if we really want to live in a world without lions and leopards in the wild.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimate that over the last 50 years lions living wild on the plains of Africa have decreased from 450,000 to only 25,000. During the same period, leopards have decreased from 750,000 to 50,000 and cheetahs from 45,000 to 12,000. Tiger’s numbers have dropped from 50,000 to a mere 3,000 (of which only 1,200 are breeding-age females).

Derek Joubert, an internationally renowned wildlife camera man and National Geographic television documentary producer knows too well what effects 7 billion people on the planet has on our remaining wild spaces. He is of the opinion that the big cats will all be lost in 10-15 years.

THE SANWILD LIONS

At SanWild we have 16 beautiful lions all rescued from South Africa’s infamous captive lion breeding industry. The animals were all confiscated by the authorities and arrived at SanWild in 2003 where they have been living a full and secure life in their respective prides.

Caring for these lions has remain an uphill financial battle and there have been times where we have had to come up with some very ingenious ways to ensure that sufficient funding is available to ensure the lions next meal. There have also been times when our financial situation became so dire that we had to consider putting the lions to sleep if we should fail to come up with the necessary donor funding. However with the support of our friends and the lions; friends out in the public domain, we have managed time and time again to overcome our dire financial crisis and ensure the lions’ continue welfare.

At the beginning of 2012 we once again find ourselves in a dire financial situation in respect to have enough funds to ensure that the lions next meals is secured until grant of sufficient donor funding can be secured for 2012.

May we please ask you to spare a thought for our lions and consider a donation for our lions to ensure their welfare and next meals ASAP? All donations are appreciated; no matter how large or small. Our animals’ lives depend on securing the funding and we will be most appreciative of your support.

Please click here to make your on-line donation right now.

You can also choose to make a donation by means of a direct internet or bank transfer into our trust account at ABSA, Danie Joubert Street, Tzaneen, 0850. Account number 9111221180, Branch Code 334349, Swift Code ABSAZAJJ
PayPal donations are welcome - link available from home page.

  1. To show our appreciation for your support, all donations will be eligible and will be entered into a lucky draw to win a free weekend in Bukisa Private Bush camp for 8 people on a self-catering basis.
  2. Alternatively if you are the winner, you may choose to adjust your free holiday voucher to allow for 2 people to stay in Bukisa Camp for a period of 5 days.
  3. All donations no matter how large or small will qualify for the lucky draw.

So why not support a worthy cause and donate today to keep a lion safe and well cared for? If you win you can spoil yourself and your loved ones and friends by treating them with a visit to meet the lions you have supported with your donation.