We are proud to have launched the Kevin Richardson Foundation, learn about our first initiative here
Kevin Richardson’s unique relationship with some of Africa’s apex predators have opened many doors and captivated the imagination of many people throughout the world. He has presented and produced several documentaries that detail his relationships with the animals and highlight the plight of lions both in captivity and in the wild.
THE KEVIN RICHARDSON
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY’S MISSION
The Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to provide a self-sustaining African carnivore sanctuary for the purposes of wild species preservation. Through education, outreach and funding, our mission is to bring awareness to the rapid decline of large carnivores in Africa due to habitat loss, human-predator conflict, the illegal bush meat trade, unscrupulous hunting, disease, and illegal trade.
CONSERVATION MESSAGE
ON THE LIONS
There are thought to be as few as 15000-20000 lions left in the wild in Africa. Today the biggest threats lions face are habitat loss (largely due to human encroachment), human – lion conflict (retaliatory and pre-emptive killings), illegal bush meat trade (consequences which include indiscriminate snaring and prey depletion), unscrupulous trophy hunting, lion poaching (for the lion bone trade in the far east) and to a lesser extent disease.
Lion populations face a combination of these threats in the affected lion range states where numbers are declining.
We are horrified to learn that South Africa’s lion bone quota has gone up from 800 skeletons per year to 1500. At first, we thought the letter circulating had to be fake but soon were shocked to get verification that it was true!
The poaching of lions in captivity is on the increase and no regard has been given for the safety of wild lions in neighboring countries who are vulnerable to an ever-increasing demand for lion bone and continued pressure from human/lion conflict and habitat loss. I’m not convinced that 1500 skeletons will placate the insatiable appetite for lion bone just as trying to flood the market with rhino horn would curb the slaughter of rhino.
We have information that none of the prescribed processes are followed and that in fact sometimes up to 3 skeletons are being shipped as one because there is little or no desire to check these consignments with no policing of the policies due to lack of manpower.
Please feel free to use the email address on the photo below to voice your concerns.
All the work I have done as the Lion Whisperer has been for the purpose of this campaign. The lions in our sanctuary have been rescued from the captive breeding industry and we have committed to ensuring they can live out their days peacefully, in a safe and healthy environment. I have always worried what would happen if my lions outlived me. This is where you come in. Now we are asking for your help. Please consider a donation to our #LandForLions campaign, and help us make the difference in their lives.
www.thundafund.com/project/landforlions
