Animals on the Edge

Zimbabwe: Lion rescue

Aims

The aim of the project is to save the lives of 74 lions that are part of a unique lion conservation initiative, currently threatened by the economic and political situation in Zimbabwe.

Overview

The African Lion and Environmental Research Trust has developed a revolutionary method of conserving wild lion populations in southern Africa. Their program is unique in that it enables the off-spring of captive bred lions to be released into truly wild environments, something that has never before been achieved, and provides a solution to Africa’s dwindling wild lion populations. The program has received the support of the Zambian and Mozambique governments, and the Swaziland royal family.

The current breeding program is based in Zimbabwe, southern Africa. There are 32 adult breeding lions, 30 sub-adult lions due for release into Stage 3 of the program, and 12 juveniles, currently in Stage 2. Historically, funding of the program has come from eco-tourism. However, due to the current social and political climate in Zimbabwe, revenue from tourism activities has dropped by 82% in the past 12 months. Additionally, because there is no current effective government in Zimbabwe, the scheme operators have been unable to gain export permits to relocate the lions outside Zimbabwe.

As a result, the funds needed to feed and maintain the primary group of 74 lions are all but exhausted. Animals on the Edge stepped in to provide emergency funding for the ALERT program, saving all 74 lions from the threat of euthenasia.

Future Actions

All 74 lions are now safe from the threats caused by the political and economic turmoil in Zimbabwe.