A new international poll commissioned by World Animal Protection in collaboration with Blood Lions reveals overwhelming opposition, both internationally and within South Africa to any reversal of the country’s planned phase-out of commercial captive lion breeding. Although the South African government committed in 2021 to end the captive lion industry, progress toward implementing a concrete phase-out plan has been slow. With recent ministerial changes in the environment portfolio, concerns are growing that this landmark decision could be rolled back.

For years, South Africa has faced global criticism over captive lion breeding – particularly practices linked to canned hunting, cub petting tourism, and the export of lion skeletons. The survey, conducted by Savanta across South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands and Germany (total of 2,528 respondents), found that three out of four (77%) respondents support the South African government’s 2021 decision to phase-out the commercial exploitation of captive lions.

Among four key international tourist markets visiting South Africa (see full report HERE):

• 70% stated that they would put off visiting a country that allows lions to be bred and kept in captivity for profit.
• 69% warned that reversing the phase-out would damage South Africa’s reputation as a responsible and ethical tourist destination.
• 77% believe the government should prioritize wildlife-friendly tourism over commercial captive lion breeding.
• 65% said they would choose alternative travel destinations if the industry continues.

“Captive lion breeding is cruel, has no conservation value and risks undermining South Africa’s standing as a leader in wildlife protection. Tourists increasingly want authentic, responsible experiences and this poll findings show that protecting lions in their natural habitats aligns with both public sentiment and economic resilience. South Africa’s government ought to take note of this and phase out captive lion farming.” Edith Kabesiime, World Animal Protection Africa, Wildlife Campaign Manager.

Potential Economic Consequences

Tourism contributes nearly 9% to South Africa’s GDP and supports an estimated 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs. In 2025, South Africa received nearly 10.5 million international tourists, with the UK, USA, the Netherlands and Germany accounting for over 1.2 million arrivals.

If 70% of tourists from these markets were deterred from visiting, South Africa could lose an estimated 860,000 visitors. Given that tourism supports one job for every 13 international arrivals, this could translate to approximately 66,000 tourism jobs at risk¹.

By comparison, the commercial captive lion industry is estimated to support a relatively small number of 1,568 to 2,069 jobs across South Africa.

Strong Domestic Opposition

South African citizens expressed similar concerns to international tourists from four key source markets:

• 72% reject promoting exploitative wildlife industries over wildlife-friendly tourism alternatives.
• 66% say commercial captive lion breeding is unethical.
• 66% believe it would be unacceptable to risk tourism demand.
• 63% warn that reversing the phase-out would undermine trust in evidence-based governance.
• 57% believe that banning captive lion breeding would make South Africa a more attractive destination and strengthen its economy.

Lion welfare emerged as the strongest reason for supporting the phase-out, cited by nearly half of the respondents who agree with the government’s 2021 decision.

“South Africa’s commercial captive lion industry has been proven to be deeply problematic, creating issues around reputational damage, ethical and animal welfare concerns and zoonotic diseases. Our new polling data shows that failing to end this industry also risks serious harm to our vital tourism industry. We call on Minister Willem Aucamp to end the delays and uncertainty and urgently deliver the promised phase-out of this industry.” Dr Louise de Waal, Director of Blood Lions.