Lions!!

Today we saw the lions again that we already met on one of the first days here in Selati. It is a pride with youngsters (but they unfortunately were hidden under the rocks).

The rest of the pride was just resting in the heat of the day, just lifting the head shortly to see who was coming but then going back to what lions can do best: sleeping.

Unfortunately I also got to know that the oldest lion of the pride is going to be shot soon, probably by a trophy hunter. This information struck me hard. How can that be?

When I signed in to this course, I had clearly mentioned my concerns and expections. I had made it clear that I do not want to be involved in anything that has to do with hunting activities. I really felt betrayed and sad and talked to my instructor about it. He told me that a lot of reserves handle it like this. He told me that – due to fenced areas – it is necessary to “manage” the wildlife within. This management is an expensive business and the money for the lion will support the maintenance.

In our case, the lion that is on the shooting list is an old one. Old enough to be killed anyway soon by other dominant lions or youngsters that are stronger than he is. He is at the end of his era. When this day comes, the reserve management decides to shoot him to open the way for the younger and stronger ones. And in addition he brings in money that will be used for the maintenance of the reserve.

To me this make sense somehow. And it sounds so gentle, cause we humans allow this lion to die a fast death instead of fighting for hours against one or more other lions and dying slow and painful. On the other hand I want to cry. I do not agree with this practise. How can we humans decide that the time for this lion is over? How can we allow that someone pays money for the life of such an incredible proud and beautiful animal? To me this is still only related to money. Those hunters do not come to take part in wildlife conservation. They come to kill a lion. And as long as this is possible, as long as trophy hunting is accepted, the killing will not end.

Good night,
Sininho