Lions eating grass? Indeed, volunteers observe the lions not only eating grass but leaves too. Apparently the greenery provides fibre for the stomach to help digest the feathers, fur and bones in their diet.
you can stay as you are for the rest of your life, or you can...
differentiate yourself!
Become a distinguished volunteer or student
embrace dynamic ethical species preservation through applied science, education and personal contribution
Our mission is to preserve the existence of lions and the many other big cats of Africa. Many opportunities exist for animal conservation in Africa, but NOTHING compares with the Ukutula Conservation initiative. As the very first independent, privately owned bush laboratory on the continent of Africa, the Center offers a dynamic opportunity for learners interested in making a tangible and lasting contribution to the preservation of big cats on the verge of extinction.
The year 2016 heralded the addition of an exciting new laboratory, constructed to enable local and international scientists to preserve endangered animal DNA, but also to study disease, with the immediate purpose of control and eradication in the longer term. Through the science of Cryobiology, lions, cheetahs and tigers will specifically benefit, but the methodologies can be expanded for application within other endangered species. A blueprint for the future preservation of the species, including the crucial world-wide exchange of genetic material for existing gene pools is now plausible, utilizing freezing technology at extremely low temperatures below −180 °C or −292 °F. Perhaps many years of research still lie ahead, including the necessity of immense financial resources, but the efforts of every single person contributing at Ukutula will make a lasting and indelible difference. In August of 2018, Ukutula facilitated a world first - the birth of two beautiful cubs through non-surgical artificial insemination. This break-through has tremendous implications for endangered species world-wide.
As a program participant, your senses and thinking processes will be heightened at Ukutula Conservation Center as you participate and personally contribute toward the survival of the species. You will experience the rough and rugged beauty of the African bush during your working day, but simultaneously savour the contrasting refinement of superior comfortable and well-appointed accommodation, including a fortifying and creative breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
The year 2016 heralded the addition of an exciting new laboratory, constructed to enable local and international scientists to preserve endangered animal DNA, but also to study disease, with the immediate purpose of control and eradication in the longer term. Through the science of Cryobiology, lions, cheetahs and tigers will specifically benefit, but the methodologies can be expanded for application within other endangered species. A blueprint for the future preservation of the species, including the crucial world-wide exchange of genetic material for existing gene pools is now plausible, utilizing freezing technology at extremely low temperatures below −180 °C or −292 °F. Perhaps many years of research still lie ahead, including the necessity of immense financial resources, but the efforts of every single person contributing at Ukutula will make a lasting and indelible difference. In August of 2018, Ukutula facilitated a world first - the birth of two beautiful cubs through non-surgical artificial insemination. This break-through has tremendous implications for endangered species world-wide.
As a program participant, your senses and thinking processes will be heightened at Ukutula Conservation Center as you participate and personally contribute toward the survival of the species. You will experience the rough and rugged beauty of the African bush during your working day, but simultaneously savour the contrasting refinement of superior comfortable and well-appointed accommodation, including a fortifying and creative breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
If you are qualified in science or veterinary medicine, or just an animal lover, then please spend some time with us on this website as we describe what is being done, what you can expect, and how you can contribute.
Also during 2016 Ukutula received international acclaim - sadly for all the wrong reasons!
Ukutula was featured in the documentary Blood Lions. The purpose of the documentary was to identify and shut down lion breeders supplying the canned hunting industry. The devious nature of the inference and inclusion of Ukutula in this production has regrettably created doubts for some as to whether their support of Ukutula may be helping the canned lion industry. The internet and social media have unleashed unashamed lies that now come up in Search Engines accusing Ukutula of such activities as hiring out cubs, commercially motivated human interaction with both infant and adult lions, as well as supplying lions for the canned hunting industry. No proof is provided for these accusations. Instead, use of the word "perhaps" is plentiful. Besides legal recrimination, these accusations are shameful in a world beset by a 6th global extinction. Instead of lauding and assisting the efforts of individuals and scientists who are working tirelessly to save endangered species, these critics only strive to be as destructive as they can (even if it involves dishonest and devious conduct) without providing any workable scientific alternatives. Now, more than three years later, not a single iota of evidence has been produced to prove these libellous claims - only continued efforts to discredit valiant effort through innuendo and deceit.
It is our sincere hope that the facts provided in this website will help any sincere volunteer, both past and present, to have conviction in the deep and profound value of volunteering at Ukutula Conservation Centre (a full discussion can be found in our Question & Answer section).
Indeed, there are always two sides to every story. This is our side of the story. May this website both educate, as well as enable you to take a positive stand as an ambassador in favour of the captive breeding programs with the goal of preservation research of the lion, cheetah, tiger and hyena species at Ukutula Conservation Centre.
Ukutula was featured in the documentary Blood Lions. The purpose of the documentary was to identify and shut down lion breeders supplying the canned hunting industry. The devious nature of the inference and inclusion of Ukutula in this production has regrettably created doubts for some as to whether their support of Ukutula may be helping the canned lion industry. The internet and social media have unleashed unashamed lies that now come up in Search Engines accusing Ukutula of such activities as hiring out cubs, commercially motivated human interaction with both infant and adult lions, as well as supplying lions for the canned hunting industry. No proof is provided for these accusations. Instead, use of the word "perhaps" is plentiful. Besides legal recrimination, these accusations are shameful in a world beset by a 6th global extinction. Instead of lauding and assisting the efforts of individuals and scientists who are working tirelessly to save endangered species, these critics only strive to be as destructive as they can (even if it involves dishonest and devious conduct) without providing any workable scientific alternatives. Now, more than three years later, not a single iota of evidence has been produced to prove these libellous claims - only continued efforts to discredit valiant effort through innuendo and deceit.
It is our sincere hope that the facts provided in this website will help any sincere volunteer, both past and present, to have conviction in the deep and profound value of volunteering at Ukutula Conservation Centre (a full discussion can be found in our Question & Answer section).
Indeed, there are always two sides to every story. This is our side of the story. May this website both educate, as well as enable you to take a positive stand as an ambassador in favour of the captive breeding programs with the goal of preservation research of the lion, cheetah, tiger and hyena species at Ukutula Conservation Centre.