However, tribal leaders had other thoughts. He is one of 300 such beautiful animals in the world and officials wanted to release him into a wildlife park in Limpopo. In this case, Mufasa was bought illegally and taken from his owner and brought to the Wild For Life rehab centre in Rustenburg in 2015. What was most striking was the complete disconnect in how such kills are seen by hunters versus the public at large, as shown by the subsequent controversy of a Idaho hunter taunting animal advocates and other such hunts ( here and here and here and here and here). We previously followed the controversy over the shooting of “Cecil the Lion” by American dentist Walter Palmer from Minnesota. I often hiked considerable distances to see these animals in the wild and cannot imagine finding joy in killing them. I just do not understand the thrill kill in shooting a beautiful animal. I simply fail to see why it is impressive or thrilling to shoot a giraffe or elephant with a high-powered rifle. Now tribal leaders are refusing to give him back and instead want to sell the right to shoot the young lion among eager trophy hunters.Īs many on this blog know, I am no fan of trophy hunting. His name is Mufasa and he is a rare white lion who was rescued and sent to a rehab center.
We therefor petition you to intervene and to authorise the relocation permit for both lions to Sanwild.We have yet another disturbing account of a trophy hunt. a lifetime-care facility) the confiscating authority should execute an agreement and transfer the animal.Ĥ) Mufasa is a text book case of the above and we believe it will be a transgression of both the spirit and the fabric of CITES to treat him otherwise.ĥ) There are no other suitable sanctuaries in the North west province that are able to care for both lions and the best practical nvironmental option in the interest of the welfare of the two lions are to be released to Sanwild. If that is not feasible and there is space available in non-commercial captive facility (e.g. As a point of departure the confiscating authority should consider releasing the specimen in the wild.ī. We will not dwell on the contents, but only wish to highlight the first two requirementsĪ. We specifically draw your attention to the decision tree analysis for captive options, formulated in Resolution Conf.
If the two are separated, both will suffer trauma and stress.ģ) You are no doubt aware of the decision reached at COP 17 of CITES in Johannesburg during 2016 and the amendment noted in Conf 17-8 concerning the Disposal of illegally traded and confiscated specimens of CITES-listed species. The only commercial value he has, is to be hunted in a put and chase hunt, otherwise known as a canned hunt.Ģ) Mufasa and Suraya have formed an inseparable bond. The reasons why we believe the existing decision should be overturned are as follows:ġ) Mufasa has had a vasectomy and is no longer able to breed and is therefore of no interest to a breeder.
Mufasa white lion free#
Sanwild has agreed to take the lions and to care for them free of charge, and the rehab put in an official proposal for the two to be released in Sanwild. In terms of an agreement with READ, the rehab centre who cared for the two lions, and carried the costs thereof up to date, has the right to propose a sanctuary, where the lions are to be cared for. We hereby petition you to review the decision of the Northwest Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural development (READ) to refuse a relocation permit for Mufasa and to grant a permit only for the lioness who has been Mufasa's companion for almost three years. RELOCATION OF CONFISCATED LION MALE- MUFASA AND FEMALE SURAYA The Honourable Member of the Executive Counsil, Department of Rural Environmental and Agricultural Development, North west South Africa.