An Extremely Rare White Lion Is Being Auctioned Off To Trophy Hunters - Here's How To Stop It

Oct 20, 2018

A petition to save a rare white lion may be the only thing stopping the lion from being slaughtered by trophy hunters. With fewer than 300 white lions left in the world, it is incredibly important that these lions be protected.

However, in the case of Mufasa, the highest bidder may have the opportunity to hunt him down.

The story of Mufasa is a truly heartbreaking one. Mufasa was rescued as a cub and sent to a Wildlife Rehab Center. After his rescue, Mufasa was given a companion named Suraya. The two quickly developed an inseparable bond and became the best of companions.

As they grew older and stronger, Mufasa and Suraya were both eligible to move to a lion sanctuary. At the sanctuary, both lions would be cared for and kept together as long as they lived. However, officials, from National Conservation failed to approve the relocation.

This refusal to approve Mufasa and Suraya going to a sanctuary places both lions in danger. Instead of sending the lions to a place where they will be well cared for, Mufasa will be auctioned off to trophy hunters. These officials say that the auction will raise money for their department as the highest bidder will be given the opportunity to hunt and kill the rare creature.

Since Mufasa is a rare white lion, it is the responsibility of National Conservation officials to approve Mufasa's transfer to a sanctuary. The petition that is going around is a last attempt to save Mufasa from the likes of trophy hunters.

While it may be too little too late for Mufasa, an act of Parliament might save hundreds of lions in the future.

Mohlopi Mapulane, the committee chairperson, says

“There is an outcry, and we must find a way to address it as soon as possible. What is worrying is how this issue is affecting SA’s standing internationally. We cannot allow [captive lion breeding] to blemish our internationally acclaimed wildlife and conservation record.”

Mapulane explains the committee demands that parliament be presented with the EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading's report "The Extinction Business - South Africa's 'Lion' Bone Trade". With the report, government officials will be able to determine what is going on in the world of big cat trading and captive breeding and how these practices are hurting lions.

For parliamentarians, it's important to understand the research and reports regarding these matters. With the proper data, government officials will be able to make up their mind about the practice.

Conservationists worry about big cat trading due to the fact that complete skeletons of lions and their bones are more popular now than ever before.

Additionally, the rise in popularity of lion bones and skeletons may mean an increase n poaching. Moreover, more people may participate in captive breeding. According to Senior Trade Officer for the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife in Trade Programme, Dr. Kelly Marnewick,

“The poaching of wild lions for body parts has escalated in recent years and we cannot rule out a link to the market created for lion bones from captive breeding institutions.”

Most people that have signed the petition hope that the Parliament of South Africa will decide to stop Mufasa's auction. Hopefully, both Mufasa and the second lion will be sent to a sanctuary, where they will both live in peace together. Moreover, something must be done to protect other lions. There needs to be an end to the trading, captive breeding, and selling of lions in South Africa.

What did you think of the video? Let us know your thoughts on Mufasa and the situation of captive breeding in a comment below.