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?
Interestingly, this question coincides with another which has been raised by one particular activist who maintains she was told by guides at Ukutula that the cubs were "orphans". Some define the term "orphan" to mean an animal or human that has been removed from its parent (not necessarily because of death). Indeed, under this definition, yes, we do have orphan cubs and for very good reason. The chances of survival from challenges such as infanticide (mothers are prone to eating their offspring), snakes, disease and predators is vastly reduced. In the wild the mortality rate of lion cubs is 80% and more. Our mortality rate is way lower than that, enhancing the survivability of the species considerably.
In addition, over the years Ukutula has worked with local and international researchers and universities 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. Some critics ask why we claim that we practice "scientifically sanctioned animal interaction". Where is the academic paper proving this science they ask. Actually, our sanctioning has come from the numerous vets, researchers, scientists and universities who have heaped accolades on Ukutula for the ease of procedures and reduced stress as a result of the familiarity of the animals with humans. It has worked so well that I would not be surprised if we don't see a thesis on this very topic quite soon!
We have been vehemently attacked by animal activists who decry the "petting" of cubs. By implication they claim that we are making pets of cubs. In actual fact, the definition of the word "pet" is to "stroke" or "pat" an animal, which, together with other simulated enrichment experiences from the wild are what we do in order to familiarize these animals with the human touch. Never is the purpose to domesticate these animals - even if we tried, that would never happen. They will always be wild animals.
In addition, over the years Ukutula has worked with local and international researchers and universities 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. Some critics ask why we claim that we practice "scientifically sanctioned animal interaction". Where is the academic paper proving this science they ask. Actually, our sanctioning has come from the numerous vets, researchers, scientists and universities who have heaped accolades on Ukutula for the ease of procedures and reduced stress as a result of the familiarity of the animals with humans. It has worked so well that I would not be surprised if we don't see a thesis on this very topic quite soon!
We have been vehemently attacked by animal activists who decry the "petting" of cubs. By implication they claim that we are making pets of cubs. In actual fact, the definition of the word "pet" is to "stroke" or "pat" an animal, which, together with other simulated enrichment experiences from the wild are what we do in order to familiarize these animals with the human touch. Never is the purpose to domesticate these animals - even if we tried, that would never happen. They will always be wild animals.
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 pure 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. Secondly, our genetic research program (cryo biology laboratory) sponsored by international scientists is providing the ability to transfer genetic material to all parts of the world in pursuance of genetic diversity.
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" or thee bone or tissue trade. 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" or thee bone or tissue trade. Our lions are too precious in terms of the conservation of the species to ever be considered for such a sacrilege.
