The following questions originate from journalists, animal rights activists and prospective volunteers who rightfully desire to support a cause aligned with the interests of endangered animals.
We sincerely hope that we have covered all the major issues!
Who or What is Ukutula?
Ukutula comes from the native Zulu word “Ukuthula” which has various meanings according to the dictionary, amongst others “calm, peace, silence or stillness”. All the meanings highlight the quiet to be experienced here, except for the roar of a lion on occasion!
The geographic address of this conservation centre is The Farm Klipkop in the municipal area of Brits, South Africa. It is a family business, (but no small business by any means), which has been operated over the past eleven years. We could never do this without an incredible support staff numbering around 70. Equally important are the hundreds of volunteers from all over the world who contribute their labour, many of whom return every year! We, and our animals are eternally grateful!
The geographic address of this conservation centre is The Farm Klipkop in the municipal area of Brits, South Africa. It is a family business, (but no small business by any means), which has been operated over the past eleven years. We could never do this without an incredible support staff numbering around 70. Equally important are the hundreds of volunteers from all over the world who contribute their labour, many of whom return every year! We, and our animals are eternally grateful!
You maintain there is crisis of extinction facing many wild animals on earth and in particularly predators, all caused by man. What do you mean by this?
In the year 1900 the earth was sparsely inhabited by man and animals would freely roam entire continents, creating an ideal environment for food availability, genetic diversity and preservation of habitats, with little spread of disease. Sometimes they were hunted, but almost exclusively for food. That was the only way they could survive and flourish. But it is no longer.
At the turn of the last century, there were around 1.65 Billion of us humans on this earth. In 2016, the earths population was an estimated 7.1 billion, an increase of 330 percent! With a human population expanding so expansively and impacting the environments of wild animals, just the one species, the lion, has been impacted alarmingly. Consider just this one statistic - in 1940 there were an estimated total of 450,000 lions in existence. In 2017 it is estimated there are less than 20,000. That is a decrease of almost 96% in just 77 years! How sobering.
Indeed, as the population of humanity has dramatically increased, sadly the populations of wild animals including the lion have decreased just as dramatically. In every single instance, the cause of extinction is direct interference by man, either through habitat destruction and encroachment, domestic animal breeding causing a depletion of food sources and the spread of disease, or in so many upsetting instances, by wanton killing.
At the turn of the last century, there were around 1.65 Billion of us humans on this earth. In 2016, the earths population was an estimated 7.1 billion, an increase of 330 percent! With a human population expanding so expansively and impacting the environments of wild animals, just the one species, the lion, has been impacted alarmingly. Consider just this one statistic - in 1940 there were an estimated total of 450,000 lions in existence. In 2017 it is estimated there are less than 20,000. That is a decrease of almost 96% in just 77 years! How sobering.
Indeed, as the population of humanity has dramatically increased, sadly the populations of wild animals including the lion have decreased just as dramatically. In every single instance, the cause of extinction is direct interference by man, either through habitat destruction and encroachment, domestic animal breeding causing a depletion of food sources and the spread of disease, or in so many upsetting instances, by wanton killing.
So what is the solution?
The solution would be to return back to the past – but we all know that will and just cannot happen. It is now too late to proverbially turn back the clock. The crisis however, has bred three groups of people at opposite ends presenting their own solutions.
I would put the conservationists and zoos in the first group. These individuals and establishments work tirelessly to implement solutions which they fully acknowledge are not optimal, but so far have produced satisfying results in preserving species that were on the brink of extinction. This group is relatively small and has never been vocal in it's achievements.
The second group are the activists using social media (including movies) whose solution is to restore all captive animals to the wild conditions that existed in the past and who voraciously criticize and attack those who they perceive as their adversaries, namely, the conservationists and zoos as well as those who kill and exploit for commerce. Their activities remind me of an old proverb: "If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem you encounter is a nail!" For them, "one size fits all" when it comes to so-called solutions. The activist voices have become ever louder with the “Cecil the Lion” debacle and the recent movie, Blood Lions. These activists spend a great deal of time and energy, creating material for their cause by twisting and omitting things said in interviews. Discussion is always healthy, but dishonesty will never bring us any solutions.
The third group consists of those who exploit and kill for commerce, be it in the name of so-called sport or use of body parts for some questionable purpose. Many of these individuals have no interest whatsoever in tomorrow, but a small minority justify their killing by saying it will bring tourist and “pharmaceutical” dollars back to support the preservation of the species.
I would put the conservationists and zoos in the first group. These individuals and establishments work tirelessly to implement solutions which they fully acknowledge are not optimal, but so far have produced satisfying results in preserving species that were on the brink of extinction. This group is relatively small and has never been vocal in it's achievements.
The second group are the activists using social media (including movies) whose solution is to restore all captive animals to the wild conditions that existed in the past and who voraciously criticize and attack those who they perceive as their adversaries, namely, the conservationists and zoos as well as those who kill and exploit for commerce. Their activities remind me of an old proverb: "If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem you encounter is a nail!" For them, "one size fits all" when it comes to so-called solutions. The activist voices have become ever louder with the “Cecil the Lion” debacle and the recent movie, Blood Lions. These activists spend a great deal of time and energy, creating material for their cause by twisting and omitting things said in interviews. Discussion is always healthy, but dishonesty will never bring us any solutions.
The third group consists of those who exploit and kill for commerce, be it in the name of so-called sport or use of body parts for some questionable purpose. Many of these individuals have no interest whatsoever in tomorrow, but a small minority justify their killing by saying it will bring tourist and “pharmaceutical” dollars back to support the preservation of the species.
How can you justify keeping wild animals in captivity?
For the same reason zoos are keeping endangered animals in captivity. They have to be preserved safely.
In the wild, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other large and small predators are reaching numbers close to extinction. It is not only lions and cheetahs that are in peril, but many other endangered or vulnerable species such as the wild dog, black footed cat and leopard. Recently scientists have warned that giraffes are also now on the brink of extinction, as well as 60 percent of all primates - it is estimated that they will all be gone in 20 years. It seems that almost every month a species is being added to the list of life on the brink of extinction. With increasing human encroachment on their natural range, habitat destruction, disease, inbreeding, poaching and other factors, the extinction of most species now seems unavoidable.
At Ukutula however, we have seen the fruition of over a decade of efforts in breeding and scientific research that have yielded some very positive results in the preservation of the species. These efforts have been spearheaded by universities and scientists, the conclusions are well documented.
The second reason is the fact that urbanization and the spread of humanity has resulted in the intimate relationship that humans once had with the earth and its fauna and flora now being all but lost. Many education professionals see the value of humans connecting with nature, touching and feeling, experiencing first hand, in real time, the joy of making an emotional connection with animals. Sadly, this is becoming the privilege of only a few with financial means, many of the “few” being foreigners. At Ukutula we reach out to the under-privileged to allow them to be educated and to “feel” what these animals really are and what they mean for our future.
In the wild, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other large and small predators are reaching numbers close to extinction. It is not only lions and cheetahs that are in peril, but many other endangered or vulnerable species such as the wild dog, black footed cat and leopard. Recently scientists have warned that giraffes are also now on the brink of extinction, as well as 60 percent of all primates - it is estimated that they will all be gone in 20 years. It seems that almost every month a species is being added to the list of life on the brink of extinction. With increasing human encroachment on their natural range, habitat destruction, disease, inbreeding, poaching and other factors, the extinction of most species now seems unavoidable.
At Ukutula however, we have seen the fruition of over a decade of efforts in breeding and scientific research that have yielded some very positive results in the preservation of the species. These efforts have been spearheaded by universities and scientists, the conclusions are well documented.
The second reason is the fact that urbanization and the spread of humanity has resulted in the intimate relationship that humans once had with the earth and its fauna and flora now being all but lost. Many education professionals see the value of humans connecting with nature, touching and feeling, experiencing first hand, in real time, the joy of making an emotional connection with animals. Sadly, this is becoming the privilege of only a few with financial means, many of the “few” being foreigners. At Ukutula we reach out to the under-privileged to allow them to be educated and to “feel” what these animals really are and what they mean for our future.
Why must the animals at Ukutula be kept in enclosures?
It is wished it weren't so. However, for the reasons already described, the enclosures serve to keep the animals safe and healthy. The sad reality is that endangered animals in the wild are not safe and healthy and are being destroyed by poachers, disease, traps and poisoning. As was mentioned in the introduction of the Conservalion website, even game reserves such as Pilanesberg and Kruger National Park are being ravaged by poachers. Despite 24 hour ranger monitoring, ten precious rhino were killed at Pilanesberg in 2015 alone! The well publicized Blood Lions documentary has also highlighted the desire of hunters to include lions in their trophy hunting bounty. No hunters will obtain access to the lions of Ukutula!
Can you mention some of the research that has been done at Ukutula?
Over the years Ukutula has worked with local and international researchers on various educational and research projects as diverse as feline aids, tuberculosis, diabetes, foetal development in lions, enrichment, reproduction and anaesthesiology.
A specific research project that comes to mind is the tiger genome and comparative analysis with lion and snow leopard genomes – it is a project that we are particularly proud to have participated in. Ukutula made a significant contribution to this project by making its animals available for the research. One of the studies was so extensive that 7 different scientific papers were published by various international universities. The non intentional discovery was what really captured the scientific communitys' interest. In this study it was conclusively discovered that the white lion is NOT a distinct species as had been claimed by many previously. At the conclusion of that study, Ukutula became an outspoken advocate for ethical breeding, especially attempts to breed white lions. There is a reason why scientists and universities from around the world choose to conduct their studies at Ukutula - our animals are kept in optimal health and as such are suitable for various research projects.
A specific research project that comes to mind is the tiger genome and comparative analysis with lion and snow leopard genomes – it is a project that we are particularly proud to have participated in. Ukutula made a significant contribution to this project by making its animals available for the research. One of the studies was so extensive that 7 different scientific papers were published by various international universities. The non intentional discovery was what really captured the scientific communitys' interest. In this study it was conclusively discovered that the white lion is NOT a distinct species as had been claimed by many previously. At the conclusion of that study, Ukutula became an outspoken advocate for ethical breeding, especially attempts to breed white lions. There is a reason why scientists and universities from around the world choose to conduct their studies at Ukutula - our animals are kept in optimal health and as such are suitable for various research projects.
Why are lion cubs removed from their parents at a very young age and hand-reared? Is this just for volunteer/tourist benefit?
Over the years Ukutula has worked with local and international researchers on various educational and research projects as diverse as feline aids, tuberculosis, diabetes, foetal development in lions, enrichment, reproduction and anaesthesiology.
All of this research necessitates animals that are used to human interaction for stress to be minimized. For this reason cubs are exposed to human touch at a young age - as they mature they are not stressed by the proximity of humans when veterinary or scientific procedures such as sedation take place.
All of this research necessitates animals that are used to human interaction for stress to be minimized. For this reason cubs are exposed to human touch at a young age - as they mature they are not stressed by the proximity of humans when veterinary or scientific procedures such as sedation take place.
Are the older lions exercised, if yes, for what purpose?
The overall health of our animals is and always has been our utmost priority. Research can never be conducted effectively on weak and unhappy animals. For this reason all lions under the age of two years are regularly taken on walks with our rangers for the purpose of enrichment. We strive to educate volunteers and tourists alike as they accompany these animals, providing them with the unique opportunity of observing the social dynamics and interactions with each other. It is truly exhilarating to see the lions running and jumping, climbing into trees, pulling tails and splashing through the water and then chasing one another and tumbling in the long grass. Our volunteers and tourists especially appreciate preserving these memories with photography!
What do you do with all your adult lions? Do they all remain at Ukutula, or are they sold on/ or other homes found for them?
Many of our lions live out their entire lives at Ukutula. Our oldest lion who lived to be almost 20 years old is buried under a tree in a remote spot at Ukutula and he features on our logo. Sadly, just as with lions in the wild, some of our animals do die of other causes - causes range from snake bites, infections and injuries caused by other lions. One of the most critical essentials in conservation is ensuring that genetics are kept as clean as possible and that inter-breeding is eliminated. This results in healthy animals, improved reproduction, stronger immune systems and contributes toward the long-term preservation of the species. In reaching this objective, some of our animals are exchanged with other breeders, including zoos and game reserves whose animals have entirely different genetic histories.
Sadly, critics of the conservation efforts at Ukutula are quick to question what we do with our lions. One example is the "Where is Ricky?" campaign. Ironically, the activists have created their own conundrum. Because they so fanatically attack each and every establishment that breeds lions, including zoos, everybody is now extremely cautious in providing any details when animals are exchanged. For this reason, as well as the fact that I am confined to conditions of confidentiality in many of these exchanges, there will be no detailed explanation of the destiny of each lion at Ukutula. One issue though is absolute - no lion at Ukutula has or will be provided to the "Canned lion hunting industry." Our lions are too precious in terms of the conservation of the species to ever be considered for such a sacrilege.
Sadly, critics of the conservation efforts at Ukutula are quick to question what we do with our lions. One example is the "Where is Ricky?" campaign. Ironically, the activists have created their own conundrum. Because they so fanatically attack each and every establishment that breeds lions, including zoos, everybody is now extremely cautious in providing any details when animals are exchanged. For this reason, as well as the fact that I am confined to conditions of confidentiality in many of these exchanges, there will be no detailed explanation of the destiny of each lion at Ukutula. One issue though is absolute - no lion at Ukutula has or will be provided to the "Canned lion hunting industry." Our lions are too precious in terms of the conservation of the species to ever be considered for such a sacrilege.
On the internet there is a claim by some UKUTULA ex-volunteer LINKED TO THE BLOOD LION ORGANIZATION claiming that cubs are hired out for parties and events. Is this true?
Firstly, Ukutula has NEVER made lion cubs available for commercial profit. Other than taking cubs to schools for educational purposes, in the past there have only been two instances where cubs appeared outside of a school environment, and both were not compensated. The University of Pretoria arranged for a paraplegic event held at the it's indoor sports stadium ( LC de Villiers High Performance Centre ) and asked Ukutula to make available cubs for this event which was attended by several government officials and foreign dignitaries. The only other instance was where two cubs were taken to the home of a young girl who was too ill with leukemia to make the trip to Ukutula and whose wish was to see a cub before she died. Ukutula has hosted numerous "Reach for a Dream" events for children on site. This non-profit organization fulfils the dreams of children of all income groups and of any race, colour or creed between the ages of 3 and 18 years who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness by a doctor.
Finally, again these postings on the internet sadly prove how easy it is for suspicions and hearsay accusations to be posted as if they were fact. Instead of speaking to the owner of Ukutula, this digruntled ex-volunteer went looking for answers in the wrong places and as a result received a response from somebody at Ukutula that the questions he was asking were "none of his business". Stilted, he went on a campaign against Ukutula. The true intention of this ex-volunteer is clearly apparent - his accusations are linked to the Blood Lions page in an attempt to add further credence to the fabrication in the movie. It is so important to research the answers to every question carefully and from credible sources before making decisions. Innuendos have never, and never should form the basis for rational decision making.
Finally, again these postings on the internet sadly prove how easy it is for suspicions and hearsay accusations to be posted as if they were fact. Instead of speaking to the owner of Ukutula, this digruntled ex-volunteer went looking for answers in the wrong places and as a result received a response from somebody at Ukutula that the questions he was asking were "none of his business". Stilted, he went on a campaign against Ukutula. The true intention of this ex-volunteer is clearly apparent - his accusations are linked to the Blood Lions page in an attempt to add further credence to the fabrication in the movie. It is so important to research the answers to every question carefully and from credible sources before making decisions. Innuendos have never, and never should form the basis for rational decision making.
The much publicized movie Blood Lions makes a number of accusations against Ukutula. Are these true?
The movie is constructive in some respects, but is immensely destructive too. It fails to recognize that there are legitimate conservation projects requiring breeding programs for scientific research. Instead, the production attempts to "throw the baby out with the bath water" as the expression goes. Instead of focusing on the many positive scientific papers published on the research performed at Ukutula, (by the way, all of these documents are found in the same place as the letter from the University of Pretoria which the production chose to highlight), the producers instead focus only on innuendo in terms of what happens to the lions that leave Ukutula for other places, leaving the viewer with the conclusion that Ukutula is just another one of those breeders for the bullet.
There is a thin line between presenting a fact on one hand and on the other hand manipulating information to create "facts". Without evidence, insinuation becomes libel. Ukutula encourages free discussion and visitation to Ukutula at all times, on the proviso that the purpose of the visit is disclosed - we do not support "ambush" tactics such as those deployed by the documentary producers. Our initiatives are not clandestine - to the contrary, we are extremely proud of the scientific contributions that have been made, are currently making and that are yet to be made. We do not need to hide behind any construed business model such as breeding of lions for the hunting industry - our ethics and morals have always been an open-book. We passionately believe that the truth will always prevail - we have no fear of "informers", such as those upon whom the documentary depended for it's information. Again, accusations in this production are made to appear as fact. My suggestion to any sincerely interested person, including the many potential present and past volunteers who according to the media now feel "duped" because Ukutula was breeding lions for the hunting industry, that they should be acutely aware of the heightened sensationalism when such productions are made. Prudent viewers should always base conclusions on fact and not on innuendos and emotional sensationalism.
You will notice too that a disproportionate amount of time in the production is spent at Ukutula. Why? Because they had the freedom to roam through our establishment. Because we have nothing to hide. But this production team thought they had an "easy target". Did you notice any death threats, threats of physical injury or intimidation like some of the scenes? No. The more the operators in the scenes depicting aggression and intimidation had to hide, the shorter and more abrupt were the footages. The information provided by volunteers and staff alike is accurate. Sadly, the innuendo is made that we have something to hide in not allowing free filming of material for social media. The very reason we are so sensitive is exactly because of the kind of footage you now see depicted in such productions as Blood Lions. Footage is twisted, taken out of context and can be extremely harmful to the legitimate endeavours being conducted at Ukutula for the future existence of the lion species. The attempt to throw Ukutula's relationship with the University of Pretoria into question regarding the destiny of older lions is an example of the reprehensible methods used in this production. The effort is clearly to discredit the University for it's association with Ukutula and an attempt to shame the university. The outcomes of older lions would clearly be beyond the mandate of any scientific study - asking the scientist to assume this responsibility is unreasonable. However, if the owner had been rightfully interviewed before the "ambush" at Ukutula, he would gladly have provided a satisfactory answer which would not have necessitated such an awkward and inopportune question to the representative of the University.
The extremes to which this production goes in its attempt to crush any activity involved with the breeding of lions further adds food for thought for balanced, logical viewers. Imagine, one lady even expresses her doubts as to the quality of the dead cows fed to the lions. Immediately the viewer is onside with the reasoning. Of course, just another reason why this industry needs to be outlawed, they reason. What if the meat has antibiotics, or what if it is diseased? The poor lions are being poisoned by these unscrupulous breeders! Firstly, we humans don't even ask these questions about the meat we are eating! Secondly, what about all the cows hunted by lions across Africa? Is it possible that this meat is tainted with GMO grain feed with cancerous effects? What about the weak and diseased animals these lions are hunting in the wild? Sorry, but this kind of commentary smacks of an effort to maximize on sensationalism. It sadly distracts from the most critical issues of our time, namely the real efforts required to ensure the very future existence of the species.
There is a thin line between presenting a fact on one hand and on the other hand manipulating information to create "facts". Without evidence, insinuation becomes libel. Ukutula encourages free discussion and visitation to Ukutula at all times, on the proviso that the purpose of the visit is disclosed - we do not support "ambush" tactics such as those deployed by the documentary producers. Our initiatives are not clandestine - to the contrary, we are extremely proud of the scientific contributions that have been made, are currently making and that are yet to be made. We do not need to hide behind any construed business model such as breeding of lions for the hunting industry - our ethics and morals have always been an open-book. We passionately believe that the truth will always prevail - we have no fear of "informers", such as those upon whom the documentary depended for it's information. Again, accusations in this production are made to appear as fact. My suggestion to any sincerely interested person, including the many potential present and past volunteers who according to the media now feel "duped" because Ukutula was breeding lions for the hunting industry, that they should be acutely aware of the heightened sensationalism when such productions are made. Prudent viewers should always base conclusions on fact and not on innuendos and emotional sensationalism.
You will notice too that a disproportionate amount of time in the production is spent at Ukutula. Why? Because they had the freedom to roam through our establishment. Because we have nothing to hide. But this production team thought they had an "easy target". Did you notice any death threats, threats of physical injury or intimidation like some of the scenes? No. The more the operators in the scenes depicting aggression and intimidation had to hide, the shorter and more abrupt were the footages. The information provided by volunteers and staff alike is accurate. Sadly, the innuendo is made that we have something to hide in not allowing free filming of material for social media. The very reason we are so sensitive is exactly because of the kind of footage you now see depicted in such productions as Blood Lions. Footage is twisted, taken out of context and can be extremely harmful to the legitimate endeavours being conducted at Ukutula for the future existence of the lion species. The attempt to throw Ukutula's relationship with the University of Pretoria into question regarding the destiny of older lions is an example of the reprehensible methods used in this production. The effort is clearly to discredit the University for it's association with Ukutula and an attempt to shame the university. The outcomes of older lions would clearly be beyond the mandate of any scientific study - asking the scientist to assume this responsibility is unreasonable. However, if the owner had been rightfully interviewed before the "ambush" at Ukutula, he would gladly have provided a satisfactory answer which would not have necessitated such an awkward and inopportune question to the representative of the University.
The extremes to which this production goes in its attempt to crush any activity involved with the breeding of lions further adds food for thought for balanced, logical viewers. Imagine, one lady even expresses her doubts as to the quality of the dead cows fed to the lions. Immediately the viewer is onside with the reasoning. Of course, just another reason why this industry needs to be outlawed, they reason. What if the meat has antibiotics, or what if it is diseased? The poor lions are being poisoned by these unscrupulous breeders! Firstly, we humans don't even ask these questions about the meat we are eating! Secondly, what about all the cows hunted by lions across Africa? Is it possible that this meat is tainted with GMO grain feed with cancerous effects? What about the weak and diseased animals these lions are hunting in the wild? Sorry, but this kind of commentary smacks of an effort to maximize on sensationalism. It sadly distracts from the most critical issues of our time, namely the real efforts required to ensure the very future existence of the species.
Blood Lions wants the practice of volunteers, cub petting and lion walks banned. What do you say to this?
If the answer is to prevent the cruel treatment of animals, my response is one of unreserved support. But if the answer is to halt the world standard scientific research for species survival, accomplished through the contribution of volunteers, including the sanctioned human contact with cubs and lion walks, then I say shame on them.
The human disconnection promoted by Blood Lions can only lead to less awareness, less caring, less nurturing, less conserving, less biodiversity - as the saying goes "out of sight, out of mind.....".
The earth is facing the 6th mass extinction of species, this time caused by humanity. Extinctions are taking place so fast now that practices once spurned and viewed as undesirable have to be viewed as reality and embraced, even if they are not popular with everybody. For us at Ukutula the well-being of our precious animals is, and will continue to be our priority. We invite volunteers from all over the world to come and spend time here with us - you will be educated and impressed by the new multi-million state-of-the-art laboratory. This is just one more FACTUAL proof that Ukutula is contributing toward the continued existence of the lion species in our future, as is any volunteer participating in our program. With a clear conscience you can pet a cub and walk with a lion - ensuring that lions will remain our heritage for centuries to come.
The human disconnection promoted by Blood Lions can only lead to less awareness, less caring, less nurturing, less conserving, less biodiversity - as the saying goes "out of sight, out of mind.....".
The earth is facing the 6th mass extinction of species, this time caused by humanity. Extinctions are taking place so fast now that practices once spurned and viewed as undesirable have to be viewed as reality and embraced, even if they are not popular with everybody. For us at Ukutula the well-being of our precious animals is, and will continue to be our priority. We invite volunteers from all over the world to come and spend time here with us - you will be educated and impressed by the new multi-million state-of-the-art laboratory. This is just one more FACTUAL proof that Ukutula is contributing toward the continued existence of the lion species in our future, as is any volunteer participating in our program. With a clear conscience you can pet a cub and walk with a lion - ensuring that lions will remain our heritage for centuries to come.
In January of 2017 it was announced that a billboard depicting interaction with lion cubs was being removed from OR Tambo International airport because it "sends the wrong message to arriving tourists". Does this effect your efforts?
Whilst it is regrettable because it deprives tourists of exposure and the choice of experiencing a very precious human need, (as well as education for survival of the species), it assumes that all human/cub interaction has dubious purposes and is unethical. This is very sad, because the activity has brought tourist dollars to the legitimate operators who rely on tourism for their continued existence, as well as that of their animals. As for Ukutula? We don't rely on airport billboards to promote our science. Enlightened visitors to Ukutula examine all the facts themselves and then make their own decisions.
I had to again notice that the Blood Lion movement was instrumental in this removal by tweeting the airport, as well as the new SA tourism CEO. I recently read an excellent quote from our own South African musician, Dave Matthews, who said it better than I can: "We give the podium to a lot of people who shouldn't have the podium. The message that's delivered the loudest and in the most entertaining way is the one that we're going to put on because that's what we want. We want ratings more than we want to deliver information. That's just where the culture's gotten."
I had to again notice that the Blood Lion movement was instrumental in this removal by tweeting the airport, as well as the new SA tourism CEO. I recently read an excellent quote from our own South African musician, Dave Matthews, who said it better than I can: "We give the podium to a lot of people who shouldn't have the podium. The message that's delivered the loudest and in the most entertaining way is the one that we're going to put on because that's what we want. We want ratings more than we want to deliver information. That's just where the culture's gotten."
The year 2017 seems to be starting off with more controversy relating to the lion breeding industry in South Africa. I read that two white lions escaped from an establishment in Limpopo and mauled a man who was gathering wood on the adjacent farm. He subsequently died. Animal Rights activists are having a field day decrying your industry for this. Any comments?
The incidence was truly tragic and unfortunate. However, also sad is the fact that increasing media focus is going to become the signature of any such events as the activists use these accidents to support their movement to ban captive lion breeding programs. The report specifies that the man died as a consequence of complications from disease. Even if he had survived, a number of points need to be recognised about this tragedy. Firstly, the animals were no longer in captivity when this mauling occurred. They had escaped and were in the wild. They acted as lions in the wild would. This proves that although they are raised by humans, they remain instinctively wild when not in captivity. Would the animal rights activists have been as vocal if these lions had never had any human connection and killed this man? I somehow doubt it. Lions are inherently potentially dangerous animals - that is why we have scrupulous protocols in place to preserve them and the humans with whom they come in contact.
Finally, one little voice amongst the activists decries "for profit" motive of all those who promote human/lion interaction, including the establishment in this story. This argument holds so little substance - anybody having experience with these animals will know what voracious animals they are - the only way to sustain them is to have some kind of business model that will afford the substantial costs involved which expand considerably with the veterinary costs required to keep the animals in peak health.
Finally, one little voice amongst the activists decries "for profit" motive of all those who promote human/lion interaction, including the establishment in this story. This argument holds so little substance - anybody having experience with these animals will know what voracious animals they are - the only way to sustain them is to have some kind of business model that will afford the substantial costs involved which expand considerably with the veterinary costs required to keep the animals in peak health.
The captive breeding industry is accused of enriching themselves through the breeding of lions. Is this true?
True, there one especially passionate little voice amongst the activists who decries the "for profit" motive of all those who promote human/lion interaction, including Ukutula. Is there something wrong with making a profit? If there were no profit, could there be reinvestment and growth? Should the question not rather be the question of what the motive is for making a profit?
When considering issues regarding money and captive breeding - lions are voracious eaters. The only way to sustain them is by means of some kind of business model that supports the substantial costs involved, including the veterinary costs required to keep the animals in peak health.
The owners of Ukutula have not enriched themselves from this undertaking - rather to the contrary. The evidence lies in the substantial investment in the Bio laboratory and research, all without any outside funding. The laboratory alone is worth almost ZAR3 million including the sophisticated equipment.
When considering issues regarding money and captive breeding - lions are voracious eaters. The only way to sustain them is by means of some kind of business model that supports the substantial costs involved, including the veterinary costs required to keep the animals in peak health.
The owners of Ukutula have not enriched themselves from this undertaking - rather to the contrary. The evidence lies in the substantial investment in the Bio laboratory and research, all without any outside funding. The laboratory alone is worth almost ZAR3 million including the sophisticated equipment.
I have seen social media outrage at somebody witnessing a lion cub at Ukutula being smacked on the nose because it was pulling on a visitor's shoe. Is this not cruelty?
Animal behaviourists like Louis Dorfman will tell you that lions have tremendous character and especially when they are young they can be extremely mischievous. Just like with humans, discipline is necessary in the animal kingdom - lack of discipline ends in delinquency and bad consequences. Studies of lions show distinctive behaviour when limitations are exceeded. What do they do? They slap one another, often in the face, because this allows for the most visual communication. We never flinch when we see such rendering of discipline, do we? As the adoptive "parents" of these cubs, we strive to replicate the social structure as closely as possible - this includes a slap on the nose if a cub is refusing to let go of something. Such actions never hurt the cub, they merely reinforce the presence of authority and the need for limitations. This discipline helps the animal in later life as well as they co-exist in the prides at Ukutula with the various family dynamics, authority and subjection. The two situations captured below demonstrate this typical typical behavioural characteristic.
I read another claim that you drug your cubs. Is this true?
Again, this is the kind of claim made by somebody who is totally ignorant of lion behaviour. I can only think that this person may be referring to the almost comatose appearance of our cubs during the morning hours. Like their parents, they are in deep sleep during the morning hours and very little can arouse them. Once the afternoon arrives, they become very lively and playful, right into the early evening hours. The only drugging that is done at Ukutula is when veterinary procedures are required and the animals are sedated.
What is your response to the animal rights activists?
The time has arrived for a reality check. It is time to get your priorities right. It is time for you to recognise science, rather than ignore it. Petting lion cubs, walking with lions and the even more controversial trophy shooting and killing of lions for their body parts is not what got us to where we are today, on the brink of extinction of a species. These are symptoms of a distorted society, not the cause. Any victimisation of an industry that is breeding lions is both counter-productive as well as destructive and is actually reducing the survival chances of the species, rather than saving it. It is time to quit sensationalism and emotional manipulation - it is time to focus on the real issues that have to be addressed urgently if any of these magnificent animals are to be around in 20 years.
The first and major issue for the activists to focus on if they really do care, is destruction of the species' habitat. This has occurred over the last century and is the reason for the serious impact on reproductive ability, genetics, as well as food sources. This issue alone has caused the majority of fatalities in the species. A powerful movie showing what man has done and is doing in this respect could have much more impact than a "Blood Lions" documentary or removing a billboard, wouldn't it?
Secondly, if we are to remove the plagues of killing these animals for their body parts, or hunters shooting the animals for trophies, then kill the demand and consumption, not the captive lion industry! In agitating for the banning of captive animals and breeding programs, the activists are actually hastening the extinction process. Why? Because the crucial scientific studies for survival of the species can only be conducted on captive animals. Captive breeding programs are providing growth in global lion populations which are crucial for genetic diversity. Ban captive lion programs (and any other endangered species for that matter) and you merely risk seeing an even more rapid decline in the wild population as the consumption is directed to what is remaining in the wild and the price rises for the commodity due to scarcity. We have already seen this in the case of the rhino, elephant and in the case study on this website, the Totoaba fish. This fish is now so rare with the ban on fishing, that even the drug cartels are now fishing rather than dealing in drugs!
Thirdly, if there is a problem in the breeding industry with unethical practices, why shut it all down? Isn't it just the simplest thing to regulate rather than suffocate? Every other valuable industry is regulated, why not this one too?
Finally, it will be business as usual at Ukutula in accomplishing all the good things in furtherance of the preservation of endangered species with the continued support of discerning, passionate volunteers, scientists and researchers - until science dictates otherwise!
The first and major issue for the activists to focus on if they really do care, is destruction of the species' habitat. This has occurred over the last century and is the reason for the serious impact on reproductive ability, genetics, as well as food sources. This issue alone has caused the majority of fatalities in the species. A powerful movie showing what man has done and is doing in this respect could have much more impact than a "Blood Lions" documentary or removing a billboard, wouldn't it?
Secondly, if we are to remove the plagues of killing these animals for their body parts, or hunters shooting the animals for trophies, then kill the demand and consumption, not the captive lion industry! In agitating for the banning of captive animals and breeding programs, the activists are actually hastening the extinction process. Why? Because the crucial scientific studies for survival of the species can only be conducted on captive animals. Captive breeding programs are providing growth in global lion populations which are crucial for genetic diversity. Ban captive lion programs (and any other endangered species for that matter) and you merely risk seeing an even more rapid decline in the wild population as the consumption is directed to what is remaining in the wild and the price rises for the commodity due to scarcity. We have already seen this in the case of the rhino, elephant and in the case study on this website, the Totoaba fish. This fish is now so rare with the ban on fishing, that even the drug cartels are now fishing rather than dealing in drugs!
Thirdly, if there is a problem in the breeding industry with unethical practices, why shut it all down? Isn't it just the simplest thing to regulate rather than suffocate? Every other valuable industry is regulated, why not this one too?
Finally, it will be business as usual at Ukutula in accomplishing all the good things in furtherance of the preservation of endangered species with the continued support of discerning, passionate volunteers, scientists and researchers - until science dictates otherwise!
