In South Africa, the breeding and commercial trade of big cats, such as lions and tigers, is still happening. That means they are used as pets, for tourist interactions, or even exported to Asia where their parts are used to make traditional medicine. Thousands of big cats are held captive under unacceptable conditions while the wild population is in decline. Find more details in our infographics below:

• Captive lions are being exploited
• The dangers of exploiting animals and people
• Big cats are being bred for profit
• You can help stop the exploitation
• Interacting with big cats in captivity feeds the vicious cycle

Lions especially are a victim of the exploitation of big cats in South Africa. While the cubs are being used for petting and walking opportunities, older lions are being shot for trophies or slaughtered for their bones.

Walking, petting and other tourist interactions have resulted in numerous attacks by the big cats on the people involved. Even the keepers and owners are not safe. Protect wildlife and people.

Big cats are being bred and sold for profit. There are around 300 big cat breeding farms across South Africa. Lion cubs are being sold for over a $1,000 and tiger cubs for over $1,700. 

By avoiding facilities that allow interaction with big cats you can help stop the exploitation of animals and people.

Review of the exploitation of South Africa's captive big cats and its people in our report here!

Hundreds of live lions as well as hundreds of lion trophies and skeletons are being exported every year. A vast majority come from captive-bred lions. They are mostly sold to eastern countries or the U.S.

One lion kill can be worth nearly $60,000. More than 300 breeding farms profit off keeping and breeding big cats in captivity. This will continue if people do not stop visiting facilities that sell interactions or trophy hunting with big cats.